While a growing number of governments and non-State actors are pledging to be carbon-free, the criteria for net-zero commitments can have loopholes wide enough to “drive a diesel truck through”, the UN Secretary-General decried as his expert group on the matter published its first report on Tuesday.
The report
slams greenwashing – misleading the public to believe that a company or
entity is doing more to protect the environment than it is – and weak net-zero
pledges and provides a roadmap to bring integrity to net-zero
commitments by industry, financial institutions, cities and regions and
to support a global, equitable transition to a sustainable future.
According to the experts, actors cannot claim to be ‘net zero’ while
continuing to build or invest in new fossil fuel supply or any kind of
environmentally destructive activities. They can’t also participate or
have their partners participate in lobbying activities against climate
change or just report on one part of their business's assets while
hiding the rest.
“We must have zero tolerance for net-zero greenwashing.
Today’s Expert Group report is a how-to guide to ensure credible,
accountable net-zero pledges,” António Guterres said at the launch at
the report at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Guidelines and clarity for non-state actors
Last year at COP26 in Glasgow, Mr. Guterres announced that he would appoint an Expert Group to address a ‘surplus of confusion and deficit of credibility’ over net-zero targets of non-State entities.
The group’s first report is the result of intense work and
consultations over seven months and reflects the best advice of the 17
experts selected by the UN chief.
Through 10 practical recommendations, the report provides clarity in
four key areas as defined by the Secretary-General: environmental
integrity; credibility; accountability; and the role of governments.
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