DESIGNING AND COMMUNICATING NET-ZERO TARGETS

The document outlines a framework for establishing comprehensive net-zero targets, emphasizing the need for all-sector and all-gas coverage, the setting of separate emissions reduction targets to avoid over-reliance on carbon removals, and the importance of transparent communication and participatory design processes.

• To limit global warming to 1.5°C, global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be reduced by half within a decade and reach net zero early in the second half of the century.
• Net-zero targets should be comprehensive, covering all greenhouse gases and all economic sectors to ensure no major emission sources are excluded and to support least-cost-mitigation pathways.
• Countries should establish separate targets for gross GHG emissions reductions and for achieving net-zero or net-negative emissions to prevent an over-reliance on uncertain future carbon removal capacities.
• Target time frames should be as early as feasible, with major emitters and those with high historical or per capita emissions adopting the most ambitious dates, at least as early as global Paris-aligned benchmarks.
• Governments are advised to prioritize domestic emissions reductions and removals over international transfers of GHG mitigation to maintain clear domestic investment signals and avoid carbon lock-in.
• Effective net-zero targets must be integrated into a broader policy package including near- and midterm milestones, NDCs, and development plans to drive the necessary transformative economic shifts.
• Transparent communication of targets is essential to avoid 'greenwashing' and should include specific details on gas and sector coverage, time frames, and the role of international transfers.
• The design process should be participatory and transparent, involving high-level political support and stakeholder engagement to manage trade-offs and ensure a just transition for affected workers and businesses.

APA

LEVIN, K., RICH, D., ROSS, K., FRANSEN, T., & ELLIOTT, C. (2020). DESIGNING AND COMMUNICATING NET-ZERO TARGETS. World Resources Institute. https://files.wri.org/s3fs-public/designing-communicating-net-zero-targets.pdf

Chicago

LEVIN, KELLY, DAVID RICH, KATIE ROSS, TARYN FRANSEN, and CYNTHIA ELLIOTT. DESIGNING AND COMMUNICATING NET-ZERO TARGETS. World Resources Institute, 2020. https://files.wri.org/s3fs-public/designing-communicating-net-zero-targets.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=LEVIN |first1=KELLY |last2=RICH |first2=DAVID |last3=ROSS |first3=KATIE |last4=FRANSEN |first4=TARYN |last5=ELLIOTT |first5=CYNTHIA |title=DESIGNING AND COMMUNICATING NET-ZERO TARGETS |publisher=World Resources Institute |date=July 2020 |url=https://files.wri.org/s3fs-public/designing-communicating-net-zero-targets.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{levin2020designing, author = {LEVIN, KELLY and RICH, DAVID and ROSS, KATIE and FRANSEN, TARYN and ELLIOTT, CYNTHIA}, title = {{DESIGNING AND COMMUNICATING NET-ZERO TARGETS}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, year = {2020}, month = jul, url = {https://files.wri.org/s3fs-public/designing-communicating-net-zero-targets.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }