Climate change initiatives, campaigns and partnerships

Business Ambition for 1.5°C:

https://www.unglobalcompact.org/take-action/events/climate-action-summit-2019/business-ambition

‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’ is an urgent call to action from a global coalition of UN agencies, business and industry leaders. Business Ambition for 1.5 °C: Our Only Future is a communications and advocacy campaign calling for businesses to step up and do their part in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C tin response to the global climate crisis. The campaign calls on companies to commit to setting verifiable science-based reduction targets at 1.5°C and achieve net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

By setting a net-zero target in line with a 1.5°C future - our only future - businesses can make their critical contribution to limiting the worst impacts of climate change. So far, over 300 companies, representing more than $3.6 trillion in market cap, have responded to the open letter from global leaders, and signed the Business Ambition for 1.5°C commitment.

Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative

https://www.netzeroassetmanagers.org/

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative is a group of international asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius; and to supporting investing aligned with net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. 30 signatories covering $9 trillion in assets are under management through this initiative. Further signatories are expected in the coming weeks and months in the run up to COP26.

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative launched in December 2020 and comes ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement. The initiative aims to galvanise the asset management industry to commit to a goal of net zero emissions. The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative will be managed globally by six Founding Partner investor networks, namely: Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC), CDP, Ceres, Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The initiative is also endorsed by The Investor Agenda, of which the investor networks are all founding partners. Other asset managers encouraged to join initiative, to demonstrate sector leadership and commitment to sustainable future. 

Race to Zero Campaign

https://racetozero.unfccc.int/

Race to Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.

It mobilizes a coalition of leading net zero initiatives, representing 454 cities, 23 regions, 1,397 businesses, 74 of the biggest investors, and 569 universities. These ‘real economy’ actors join 120 countries in the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. Collectively these actors now cover nearly 25% global CO2 emissions and over 50% GDP. Led by the High-Level Climate Champions for Climate Action – Nigel Topping and Gonzalo Muñoz– Race To Zero mobilizes actors outside of national governments to join the Climate Ambition Alliance, which was launched at the UNSG’s Climate Action Summit 2019 by the President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera.

The objective is to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonized economy ahead of COP26, where governments must strengthen their contributions to the Paris Agreement. This will send governments a resounding signal that business, cities, regions and investors are united in meeting the Paris goals and creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance

https://www.unepfi.org/net-zero-alliance/

An international group of 29 institutional investors (as of 3rd August 2020) delivering on a bold commitment to transition our investment portfolios to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The members of the Alliance commit to transitioning their investment portfolios to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 consistent with a maximum temperature rise of 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures, taking into account the best available scientific knowledge including the findings of the IPCC, and regularly reporting on progress, including establishing intermediate targets every five years in line with Paris Agreement Article 4.9.

Members will seek to reach this Commitment, especially through advocating for, and engaging on, corporate and industry action, as well as public policies, for a low-carbon transition of economic sectors in line with science and under consideration of associated social impacts. The Alliance will seek to work with, and enhance a range of existing initiatives, including: ◾ Science-based Targets Initiative ◾ Climate Action 100+ ◾ The Investor Energy & Climate Action Toolkit ◾ The Investor Agenda ◾ Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. 

Climate Ambition Alliance: Net Zero 2050

https://climateaction.unfccc.int/views/cooperative-initiative-details.html?id=94

The Climate Ambition Alliance brings together countries, businesses, investors, cities and regions who are working towards achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Country engagement in this Alliance is led by the governments of Chile and the United Kingdom, with support from UN Climate Change and UNDP; while mobilization of a non-government actors is led by the High-Level Climate Champions for Climate Action – Nigel Topping and Gonzalo Muñoz – under the ‘Race to Zero’ campaign.

Under the Paris Agreement, Parties should communicate long-term, low-greenhouse gas emission development strategies which target the middle of the century. The overall goal of this group is to push for net-zero CO2 emissions in line with latest scientific information. The deep transformation towards net zero CO2 emissions requires the mobilization of actors across all segments of society, which is why this group includes regions, cities, businesses, and investors alongside countries. All are united behind the same target because they recognize the benefits of the low-carbon transition.

Net-Zero 2050

http://www.bteam.org/plan-b/net-zero-by-2050

The Net-Zero 2050 Team is a leadership group of CEOs and their companies, who are working together to accelerate the just transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Net-Zero Team have committed to set a science-based target, and further pledge to phase out all greenhouse gas emissions by January 1, 2050. They also pledge to use their influence to advocate for policies that support an economy-wide transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Companies must demonstrate leadership across the following criteria: •Commit to set a science-based target, and submit this target to the Science Based Targets initiative for verification within two years. •Produce a roadmap demonstrating how they will implement their SBT in line with the level of ambition required to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C and to reach net-zero emissions (in Scopes 1, 2 and 3) by 2050. •Engage in comprehensive, consistent and transparent annual reporting. •Commit to using their influence and advocating for policy that supports an economy-wide transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. •Commit to ensuring their transition plans account for the positive and negative impacts on workers and communities, and work in partnership with stakeholders to ensure the transition is just and fair.

Climate Neutral Now

https://unfccc.int/climate-action/climate-neutral-now

Climate Neutral Now is an initiative launched by UN Climate Change in 2015, aiming at encouraging all stakeholders in society to take climate action to achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century, as enshrined in the Paris Agreement adopted the same year.

Climate Neutral Now aims to contribute to limiting the raise of the temperature by proposing an immediate set of actions: measure, reduce and offset with trustworthy units, recognized under the United Nations. Committing to taking these three steps incentivizes behavioral changes within companies, organizations, individuals, i.e. consumers, whom in turn will drive the change within their industries and networks. Climate Neutral Now invites companies, organizations, governments and citizens to work towards climate neutrality by reducing their climate footprint through a 3-steps method, whereby they: Measure (estimate) their greenhouse gas emissions; Reduce them as much as possible; and Compensate those which cannot currently be avoided by using UNFCCC-recognized offsets, totally or partially.

Global 100% RE

http://www.go100percent.org/cms/

Global 100% RE is the first global initiative that advocates 100% renewable energy. This unique campaign builds on projects that are already taking place on national, regional and local levels and steers the global discourse on renewable energy towards 100% RE as the new normal. The intention of Global 100%RE is to connect the fragmented dots of renewable energy advocates worldwide to build a global 100% renewable energy alliance, proving that being powered by 100% sustainable renewable energy is urgent and achievable. Hereby this unique campaign builds on initiatives that already take place on national, regional and local level. The overall goal is to up the debate on renewable energy towards 100% RE as the new normal as well as establish a global network of 100% RE regions. 100% renewable energy in power, heating/cooling, and transport sectors globally; new investments in energy systems must be 100% renewable energy based immediately;decentralized and people-centered approach as the fastest way to transform and benefit societies.

The Global 100%RE Cities & Regions Network brings together leading cities, towns and regions that are driving the transition towards 100% Renewable Energy, in a global community of practice to facilitate peer-learning and accelerate progress. The 100%RE Cities & Regions Network is part of the Global 100% Renewable Energy Campaign. The Network is inclusive and open to all ambitious cities, towns, and regions setting their course towards 100% Renewable Energy and demonstrating that it is possible to realize this vision.

Go 100%

http://www.go100re.net/

Go 100% is a global community that shares the vision that supplying our electricity, heating, and transportation energy needs with 100% sustainable renewable sources is urgent and achievable. Anyone curious about, striving for, or who has achieved this aim is welcome. In 2011, the Renewables 100 Policy Institute created the Go 100% Renewable Energy project as part of its mission to study and accelerate the global transition to 100% renewable energy.

Go 100% aim to inspire each other and others to reach the 100% renewable energy goal locally and globally by building a movement of supporters to Go 100% renewable energy; building an interactive map of 100% renewable energy-related projects and goals around the world; publishing relevant news and editorials; announcing 100% renewable energy related events; providing educational tools, like a library of 100% renewable energy related studies, book and film tips, and videos; catalyzing a virtual discussion where the Go 100% community can help develop best practices, forge partnerships, and build strength in numbers.

International Carbon Action Partnership

https://icapcarbonaction.com/

The International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) was established to provide an international forum for public authorities and governments that have established or are actively pursuing carbon markets through mandatory cap and trade systems with an absolute cap. ICAPs mission is to contribute to the global effort to support ETS development worldwide with view to creating a well-functioning global carbon market.

ICAP pursues the following goals: - Share best practices and learning from each others experience of ETS; - Help policy makers recognize design compatibility issues and opportunities at an early stage; - Facilitate possible future linking of trading programs; - Highlight the key role of cap and trade as an effective climate policy response; - Build and strengthen partnerships amongst Governments.

ICAP regularly organizes public conferences and internal workshops on important ETS design issues. ETS topics addressed in past ICAP workshops include: - Allocation (including Auctioning, Benchmarking) - Competitiveness and Carbon Leakage - Market Oversight - Monitoring, Reporting, Verification, Compliance and Enforcement (MRVCE) - Offsets. ICAP courses on Emissions Trading Since 2009, ICAP has held courses on emissions trading for developing countries and emerging economies. The ICAP courses provide an intensive ten day to two week long introduction to all aspects of the design and implementation of emissions trading systems (ETS) as a tool to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. UNFCCC Side Events ICAP showcases developments of emissions trading systems at the Conferences of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. ICAP membership is open to all public authorities and governments that have established or are actively pursuing carbon markets through mandatory cap and trade systems with absolute caps as one approach for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Climate Pledge

https://www.theclimatepledge.com/

The Climate Pledge began with an audacious and ambitious “What if?” As the stark realities of the climate crisis change the world immeasurably, the evidence is clear: now is our time. When it comes to climate change scientists talk about tipping points. Extreme temperatures are fast becoming the norm. Antarctic ice sheets are melting faster, and the ocean is warming quicker than predicted. The effects of climate change are at once startling, unsettling—and highly motivating. The actions we take between 2020 and 2030 are fundamental to avoiding further tipping points: This is the decade that will determine whether we can meet the global goal for net zero carbon.

The landmark Paris Agreement set out a unanimous response to keep a global temperature rise below 1.5ºC. To have a strong chance of staying below 1.5ºC, global carbon emissions must reach net zero by 2050, and the earlier we get there, the stronger our chances become. Climate science also tells us, that to meet the goal for net zero by 2050, we will have to halve global emissions between 2020 and 2030. To hit net zero carbon by 2040, signatories to The Climate Pledge must agree to the following three principles: 1. Measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis; 2. Implement decarbonization strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions, and other carbon emission elimination strategies; 3. Neutralize any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially-beneficial offsets to achieve net zero annual carbon emissions by 2040. Combined, the three principles are a transformative direction for signatories to decarbonize their businesses at the scale necessary to get to net zero carbon 10 years early.

Under2 Coalition

https://www.theclimategroup.org/under2-coalition

The Under2 Coalition is driven by a group of ambitious state and regional governments committed to keeping global temperature rises to under 2°C. The coalition is made up of more than 220 governments who represent over 1.3 billion people and 43% of the global economy. The Climate Group is the Secretariat to the Under2 Coalition and works with governments to accelerate climate action through its three workstreams:

2050 PATHWAYS Deep decarbonization pathway planning: supporting governments to develop robust medium and long-term (2050) emissions reduction plans in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. POLICY ACTION Scaling innovative policy solutions: spreading today’s best climate policies and developing new policies to ensure full decarbonization. TRANSPARENCY Mainstreaming transparency: supporting governments so they have the expertise and systems in place to assess their emissions accurately, track progress and ensure policies remain fit for delivering against climate targets.

The Under2 MOU brings together ambitious states and regions willing to make a number of key commitments to accelerate climate action. Central to the agreement is that all signatories agree to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions 80 to 95%, or limit to 2 metric tons CO2-equivalent per capita, by 2050. Under2 MOU is in line with scientifically established emissions levels necessary to limit global warming below 2 degrees Celsius; offers an opportunity for states, regions, and cities to share ideas and best practices on how to reduce GHGs and promote renewable energy; provides a model for other subnationals to join; brings international attention to the actions and ambitious reduction goals of climate leaders at a subnational level around the globe; demonstrates the collective impact of these actions and commitments across states, regions, cities, and countries; and highlights the diversity of approaches to reducing emissions.

Science Based Targets initiative

https://sciencebasedtargets.org/

Science Based Targets is a joint initiative by CDP, the UN Global Compact (UNGC), the World Resources Institute (WRI) and WWF intended to increase corporate ambition on climate action by changing the conversation on GHG emissions reduction target setting and creating an expectation that companies will set targets consistent with the level of decarbonization required by science to limit global warming to less than 2°C compared to pre-industrial temperatures.

Overall science based targets has caught up with the language of various stakeholders working on climate issues, and given guidance and methods on how companies can set a GHG target aligned with climate science. A steering committee (one representative from CDP, UN Global Compact, WRI and WWF) constitutes the main decision making-body of the initiative.

A high-level advisory board, composed of one high-level representative per partner organization and a representative from WMB, provides guidance, mobilize resources, and ensure internal buy-in within each of the partner organizations. A core team, hosted by the partner organizations, delivers the strategy and work plan. The SBT core team members lead the implementation of key pieces of the SBT strategy in coordination with the relevant stakeholders within each of the partner organizations and externally. The SBT core team is the main implementation body of the SBT strategy, except for corporate engagement activities, that will remain within each of the partner organizations. A Technical Advisory group consists of experts in the field of corporate sustainability, particularly dealing with science-based target setting methods, who give independent advice and input to the development of new methodologies.

We Mean Business

https://www.wemeanbusinesscoalition.org/

We Mean Business is a global nonprofit coalition working with the world’s most influential businesses to take action on climate change. This coalition catalyzes business leadership to drive policy ambition and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

This coalition is mobilizing businesses to set ambitious targets and equipping them to seize the opportunities of the low-carbon transition. Hundreds of businesses have helped kick-start this transition by setting science-based emissions reduction targets and taking action to deliver against those targets by committing to transition to 100% renewable power. But it is not happening fast enough. The necessary speed and scale of the transition requires all companies and sectors to engage proactively to reduce emissions at the rate required to avoid dangerous climate change. Which is why this coalition is working together to catalyze further, faster corporate climate action. This global nonprofit coalition wants to ensure that the world economy is on track to avoid dangerous climate change by 2020 while delivering sustainable growth and prosperity for all. We Mean Business coordinates numerous activities including working with our core coalition partners to empower businesses to set bold climate targets, such as science-based emission reduction targets and RE100.

Climate Action 100+

http://www.climateaction100.org/

Climate Action 100+ is an investor initiative to ensure the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters take necessary action on climate change. More than 400 investors with more than $35 trillion in assets collectively under management are engaging companies on improving governance, curbing emissions and strengthening climate-related financial disclosures. The companies include 100 ‘systemically important emitters’, accounting for two-thirds of annual global industrial emissions, alongside more than 60 others with significant opportunity to drive the clean energy transition.

Climate Action 100+ is a five-year initiative led by investors to engage systemically important greenhouse gas emitters and other companies across the global economy that have significant opportunities to drive the clean energy transition and help achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The organisation, which represents investors with more than $47tn in assets, said it also wanted the 161 companies to set medium-term objectives to reduce emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 compared with 2010 levels in order to meet their net-zero target — which effectively means reducing overall emissions to zero.Investors are calling on companies to improve governance on climate change, curb emissions and strengthen climate-related financial disclosures.