‘Zero tolerance for greenwashing’, Guterres says as new report cracks down on empty net-zero pledges — Global Issues

The report washout attacks – mislead the public into believing that a company or organization is doing more to protect the environment – and weak net-zero commits and provides a roadmap to bring the commitments to the net to the full by industry, financial institutions, cities and regions and to support an equitable, global transition to a sustainable future .

According to experts, actors cannot claim to be ‘net zero’ when it comes to continuing to build or invest in new supplies of fossil fuels or any kind of environmentally destructive activity. They also cannot engage or partner with climate change lobbying activities or report only a portion of a business’ assets while hiding the rest.

“We must be zero-tolerance towards green net cleaning. Today’s Expert Group report is a how-to guide to ensuring credible, accountable zero-net commitments,” said António Guterres at the report’s launch at COP27 in Sharm el- Sheikh, Egypt.

Principles and clarity for NGOs

Last year at COP26 in Glasgow, Mr. Guterres announced that he would appoint a Expert group to address the ‘surplus of confusion and deficit of reputation’ for the fictitious net targets of non-State entities.

The group’s first report is the culmination of intense consultation and work over seven months and reflects the best advice of 17 experts selected by the head of the United Nations.

Adopting 10 practical recommendations, the report provides clarity in four key areas as identified by the Secretary-General: environmental integrity; credibility; accountability; and the role of governments.

The report’s recommendations, as explained by the UN chief

1. Promises cannot be a ‘malicious cover-up’

According to the report, net zero commitments should be aligned with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios that limit warming to 1.5 degrees.

“That means global emissions must fall by at least 45% by 2030 – and reach net zero by 2050. Pledges should have interim targets every five years from 2025.” The secretary general explained.

The targets must also include all greenhouse gas emissions and all their ranges. For financial institutions, this means all of their financial activities, and for businesses and cities, it means all emissions – direct, indirect and emissions originating from the supply chain.

“The message is clear to all those managing existing voluntary initiatives – as well as CEOs, mayors [and] net-zero-committed governors: Adhere to this standard and update your guidelines immediately – and certainly no later than COP28,” emphasized Mr. Guterres.

The UN chief also sent a strong message to fossil fuel companies and their “financial supporters” who have committed to eliminating core products and activities that pollute the environment. and urged them to review their promises and align them with the report’s guidelines.

“Using bogus pledges to cover up a massive fossil fuel expansion is deplorable. It’s a lie about rank. This toxic cover-up could push our world over the climate cliff. The pretense must end.”

2. The plan must be detailed and specific

Mr. Guterres said that net-zero-free commits should come with a plan for how the transition is being made.

“Management has a responsibility to fulfill these commitments. This means publicly advocating decisive climate action and disclosing all lobbying,” he said, adding that

The absence of standards, regulations and rigor in voluntary carbon market credits is a matter of concern.

In addition, commitments must detail how the transition will address the needs of workers in fossil fuel industries and sectors impacted by the renewable energy transition. .

The report also provides clarity and detail on what businesses, financial institutions and local governments need to do to phase out coal, oil and gas.

3. Promises must be accountable and transparent

The Secretary-General urges all voluntary net-zero initiatives to accelerate efforts to standardize progress reports, in an open format and through public platforms that provide information on United Nations climate change. Global Climate Action Portal.

“We must work together to fill the void left by the lack of globally recognized trusted third-party authorities – and we must strengthen the mechanisms to move forward,” he explains. this verification and justification process.

4. Voluntary initiatives need to become a new normal

Finally, the UN chief said that governments need to ensure that current voluntary initiatives become a “new normal”.

“I urge all government leaders to provide non-State organizations with a level playing field to transition to a net-free, equitable future. Tackling the climate crisis requires strong political leadership,” he stressed, reiterating that developed countries also need to accelerate decarbonization and take the lead.

Voices of experts

The report comes in a year in which the world is being affected by the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as seemingly relentless climate impacts such as unprecedented flooding in Pakistan and drought in the Philippines. America.

Currently, more than 80% of global emissions are covered by zero commitments.

“Right now, the planet can’t stand delays, excuses, or more of a green sweep.” speakformer Canadian Minister Catherine Mckenna, chair of the High Level Expert Group.