Thread by @stv_smth

Lovely to see coverage today of our report on the quantity & quality of #NetZero targets around the world: netzeroclimate.org/innovation-for…

There are excellent threads already by co-authors @_richardblack and @thomasnhale (check them out). Just a few additional thoughts from me...

https://twitter.com/emilygosden/status/1374313012396445697

1. 2050 is a strong anchor date for these targets (not surprising given the IPCC Report on 1.5°C). The huge post-2050 chunk we see for countries is solely down to China. Quite a few states and companies are aiming earlier.

2. Despite countries having the most well-developed climate governance (the UNFCCC), those with #NetZero goals still by no means have it all in place. Companies are doing similarly well on setting plans and reporting at least annually.

By the way, countries score 100% on having interim targets (an indicator of near-term action) because they are required to submit NDCs. Companies don't have similar regulations. As @thomasnhale says, corporate #NetZero is the Wild West - although it seems not all are cowboys.

3. We specifically don't judge whether these targets stack up to Paris-consistency, nor whether "offsetting" is inherently right or wrong (tasks for another day!). But one thing we do highlight is a massive lack of disclosure. Plans for offsetting are particularly opaque:

4. Another thing we learned: data collection is really hard. #NetZero information is scattered across the internet, usually partial, often in the form of a press release. If you think the process can be automated, let us know! This time we relied on brilliant volunteers 👏👏👏

5. We hope this study provides much-needed data to support the debates currently brewing over #NetZero. The recent wave of pledges is encouraging. Important gaps need closing otherwise yes, there is a risk of greenwashing.

We need more, and we need better.