Designing and Communicating Net-Zero Targets

The document outlines a framework for countries to develop comprehensive net-zero targets, emphasizing the need for deep decarbonization, the use of carbon removals, and the importance of just transitions. It argues that targets should cover all greenhouse gases and sectors, be legally binding where possible, and be supported by transparent communication and stakeholder engagement to drive near- and midterm climate action.

• To align with the Paris Agreement's temperature goals, the world must reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the early part of the second half of the 21st century, which requires reducing anthropogenic emissions as close to zero as possible and using carbon removals to balance the remainder.
• Net-zero targets should be comprehensive, covering all sectors and all greenhouse gases, and should be supported by specific time frames based on global scenarios for limiting warming to 1.5°C or 2°C.
• Major emitters and countries with high historical or per capita emissions should adopt the most ambitious time frames, and those with high capacity should plan for net-negative emissions after reaching net-zero.
• Governments are advised to prioritize domestic emissions reductions and removals over international transfers of GHG mitigation; if transfers are used, they should only consist of surplus mitigation.
• The design of net-zero targets should include robust stakeholder processes to manage trade-offs and ensure a just transition, and targets should be legally binding to avoid being merely aspirational.

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} }