Designing and Communicating Net-Zero Targets

This World Resources Institute research paper provides a framework for countries to design and communicate net-zero GHG targets. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive, sector-wide targets with ambitious time frames—especially for major emitters—and argues that targets should be legally binding and informed by stakeholder engagement to ensure a just transition. The paper advocates for prioritizing domestic reductions over international transfers and integrating long-term net-zero goals into near-term policies and NDCs.

• To meet the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement, global GHG emissions must be reduced by half in the next decade and reach net-zero early in the second half of the next century. Achieving net-zero involves reducing anthropogenic emissions as close to zero as possible and using carbon removals, such as restoring forests or direct air capture and storage technology, to balance remaining emissions.
• The paper recommends that net-zero targets be comprehensive, covering all sectors and all GHGs, with specific time frames that are as early as feasible. Major emitters, particularly those with high historical and per capita emissions, should adopt time frames at least as early as the global target. Countries with high capacity for reduction and removal should also plan for net-negative emissions following the achievement of net-zero.
• Effective net-zero targets should be supported by separate targets for GHG emissions reductions and net-zero/net-negative emissions to provide a clear roadmap. Governments are advised to prioritize domestic emissions reductions and removals over international transfers of GHG mitigation; if international transfers are used, they should be limited and consist only of surplus mitigation.
• To ensure targets drive actual decarbonization and withstand government changes, the paper suggests using robust stakeholder processes to manage trade-offs and ensure a just transition. It also recommends securing high-level political support, utilizing independent expert bodies for accountability, and considering binding legal status to prevent targets from being merely aspirational.
• Countries should transparently communicate the parameters of their targets, including sector coverage, time frames, and the use of international transfers. These long-term targets must inform near- and midterm actions, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), investments, and development plans.

APA

World Resources Institute (2020). Designing and Communicating Net-Zero Targets. https://www.wri.org/research/designing-and-communicating-net-zero-targets

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Designing and Communicating Net-Zero Targets. 2020. https://www.wri.org/research/designing-and-communicating-net-zero-targets.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Designing and Communicating Net-Zero Targets |date=July 2020 |url=https://www.wri.org/research/designing-and-communicating-net-zero-targets |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitute2020designing, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Designing and Communicating Net-Zero Targets}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, year = {2020}, month = jul, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/designing-and-communicating-net-zero-targets}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }