In this report we present what is, we believe, the first systematic analysis of significant emitters, looking at the robustness of net zero pledges as well as their scope. We look for evidence that entities have components of a credible plan in place, such as interim targets, a reporting mechanism and clarity on use of offsets; we do not assess whether such plans are internally coherent nor compatible with a global trajectory to the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target.12 This report is an ‘opening snapshot’ that will allow the anticipated strengthening of net zero targets to be tracked over time.
We surveyed more than 4,000 significant entities:
- all nations
- all states and regions in the 25 highest-emitting countries
- all cities with a population above 500,000
- all companies in the Forbes Global 2000 list.
