Use of Net Zero Framework To Greenwash Climate Inaction

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) argues that 'net zero' is a global scientific concept that should not be applied to individual entities, as doing so encourages the use of ineffective offsets and speculative technologies. CIEL recommends that standards for non-state entities require absolute emissions reductions, the inclusion of Scope 3 emissions, and a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels. The document specifically criticizes the fossil fuel industry for using net-zero pledges to mask continued production and warns that reliance on Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and technological Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is risky and unproven. It advocates for mandatory regulation, transparent reporting, and the integration of human rights and climate justice into all net-zero frameworks.

• The concept of 'net zero' is a global scientific target and should not be transposed onto individual non-state entities; instead, entities should align their operations with global trajectories that avoid 1.5ºC overshoot.
• Carbon offsets are ineffective and conceptually flawed, as they do not reduce aggregate atmospheric emissions and often rely on impermanent or non-additional projects.
• Reliance on speculative technologies such as Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and technological Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is dangerous and often serves to prolong the use of fossil fuels.
• Scope 3 emissions are material to climate risk and must be included in net-zero targets, particularly for the fossil fuel, petrochemical, agribusiness, transportation, and financial sectors.
• Credible net-zero alignment requires aggressive short-term interim targets and a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels, with coal, oil, and gas use declining by median values of 95%, 60%, and 45% respectively by 2050.
• Voluntary standards are insufficient to drive the necessary transition; enforceable regulations are required to ensure the accuracy of disclosures and alignment with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Net-zero frameworks must be rooted in human rights and climate justice, ensuring that the transition protects the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

APA

Center for International Environmental Law (2022). Use of Net Zero Framework To Greenwash Climate Inaction. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CIEL-submission_UNSG-HLEG_Net-Zero_September-2022.pdf

Chicago

Center for International Environmental Law. Use of Net Zero Framework To Greenwash Climate Inaction. 2022. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CIEL-submission_UNSG-HLEG_Net-Zero_September-2022.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Center for International Environmental Law |title=Use of Net Zero Framework To Greenwash Climate Inaction |date=31 August 2022 |url=https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CIEL-submission_UNSG-HLEG_Net-Zero_September-2022.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{centerforinternationalenvironmentallaw2022use, author = {{Center for International Environmental Law}}, title = {{Use of Net Zero Framework To Greenwash Climate Inaction}}, publisher = {Center for International Environmental Law}, year = {2022}, month = aug, url = {https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CIEL-submission_UNSG-HLEG_Net-Zero_September-2022.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }