Net-Zero is the newest buzz word around climate change and is being used across the world. This has stemmed from The Paris Climate Conference where over 100 countries pledged to reach Net Zero targets by 2050. You can read more on how to reach Net Zero in our previous blog.
The truth is, Net Zero is leading to questions of credibility in certain areas. There is no doubt that the focus on Net Zero has catalysed companies thinking more about their carbon emissions. However, it can be argued that it is easy to latch on to saying you’re committed to Net Zero – but is enough actually being done? Should we be developing an established short-term plan for companies and councils to follow?
A starting point to questioning the credibility would come from the fact that at present there isn’t a universal definition of Net Zero or how it should be communicated. For example, Edie and the IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) state that the definition of carbon neutrality is the same as Net Zero whereas, Pledge to Net Zero stated that carbon neutrality is more focused on purchasing carbon offsets rather than authentically reducing emissions.
As well as the confusion with the definition, there is also a lack of standardisation with Net Zero goals. Research has shown that 7 out of 10 senior professionals are making or considering a commitment towards Net Zero for their organisations, however, 82% of them said they would need more guidance to achieve it. Many businesses have been put in a situation where they lack the expertise to measure, monitor, manage and forecast future carbon dioxide emissions and are left without a plan of how they will achieve their targets. Just 10% of firms have set interim science-based targets to stay on track of achieving climate goals.
However, it can be said that the focus on the Covid-19 pandemic put a slight hold on businesses establishing a Net Zero action plan with targets. In a survey conducted by Edie, three-quarters of respondents said that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a moderate to severe impact on their organisation’s sustainability/CSR strategy. As the strains of the pandemic are beginning to ease in the UK, it will be interesting to see if these organisations regain their focus on sustainability and Net Zero targets.
It isn’t just businesses committing to Net zero, 23% of English Councils have pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, just 9 years’ from now. A quarter of those councils are yet to measure their current carbon emissions. There are many potential reasons for this, however it may be due to lack of access to experienced support.
At present, the UK government has reduced emissions by 38% from 1990 but is a long way off for our 2050 Net Zero goal. As 2050 is almost 30 years away, it may be that the urgency to achieve this, hasn’t kicked in. However, it is our own contributions and choices that can make the difference to our planet. As high as 62% of future reductions in emissions can come from our individual actions. Look out for our next blog to find out more about how we can individually contribute towards achieving Net Zero.
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