Realizing Net-Zero Emissions: Good Practices in Countries
This paper considers the growing need for frameworks that provide confidence that governments are increasing near-term climate action to reach net-zero GHG emissions targets. National governments are already taking concrete climate action, but it is difficult to determine the extent to which current and planned future action will enable the transformations necessary to radically decarbonize economies while ensuring a just transition. To explore this challenge, we present a framework showing key national climate actions for achieving a just transition to net zero.
Momentum for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or "net zero," has increased in recent years, with many countries indicating their aspiration to reach net zero at the national level by midcentury. Some countries are also committing to making the transition justly—in ways that improve the lives and livelihoods of those impacted during the transition. Yet challenges remain around the credibility of net-zero targets and their implementation pathways.
Although no country has found the perfect approach for reaching net-zero emissions, many have begun making foundational decisions and establishing governance measures, stakeholder engagement processes, sectoral policy interventions, and financing and investments required to move toward net-zero emissions. Recognizing that many challenges will need to be overcome in transitioning justly to net-zero emissions, this paper presents a "Framework for Net-Zero Climate Action." The framework's outcomes, enabling action areas, and actions represent key features of a holistic approach for reaching net-zero emissions. The paper also illustrates how countries are already taking actions within the framework, providing lessons from which other countries can learn.
Five detailed case studies are also presented to demonstrate how countries are currently taking climate action to meet their net-zero targets. These case studies show how countries have been able to overcome challenges and make significant shifts toward realizing their net-zero targets through specific actions within the framework’s enabling action areas.
Projects
National Climate Action
Visit ProjectWRI works with countries to pursue ambitious climate action while building economies that are cleaner, more equitable and offer better quality jobs.
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Tracking Climate Progress
Visit ProjectWRI works to provide national governments, cities and companies with tools and resources to track progress toward their climate goals and strengthen accountability for existing climate commitments.
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Long-Term Climate Strategies
Visit ProjectSetting countries on the path to net-zero emissions and a more prosperous future
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