Wave of net zero emission targets opens window to meeting the Paris Agreement

The current wave of national net zero targets could reduce the projected global average temperature increase to 2.0–2.4°C by 2100. Net zero targets, if fully implemented, could bring the Paris Agreement temperature goal within reach.

A total of 131 countries are discussing, have announced, or have adopted net zero targets, covering 72% of global emissions. The targets could substantially lower projected temperature increase compared to currently implemented policies (2.9–3.2 °C) or pledges submitted to the Paris Agreement (2.4–2.9 °C).

While being a good sign these good intentions must now immediately propagate into short-term action to put countries on a path towards meeting their net zero emission ambitions. Existing policies and targets driving short-term action are currently not consistent with the announced net zero targets.

This article is available on the publisher’s website via restricted access.

Authors

PBL Authors
Michel den Elzen
Other authors
Niklas Höhne
Matthew J. Gidden
Frederic Hans
Claire Fyson
Andreas Geiges
M. Louise Jeffery
Sofia Gonzales-Zuñiga
Silke Mooldijk
William Hare
Joeri Rogelj

Specifications

Publication title
Wave of net zero emission targets opens window to meeting the Paris Agreement
Publication date
16 September 2021
Publication type
Artikel
Publication language
Engels
Magazine
Nature Climate Change
Product number
4545