Achieving the goals of the Paris agreement will require halving global emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Achieving this will require strong and rapid action, not only by governments but also by the private sector and citizens.
The Climate Neutral Now Initiative is one of several initiatives launched by the UNFCCC secretariat to enhance climate action by engaging non-Party stakeholders (sub-national governments, companies, organizations, individuals). Launched in 2015 based on a mandate to promote the voluntary use of carbon market mechanisms recognized under the Convention, it has since evolved to become a much wider tool for awareness-raising, capacity building, promoting and facilitating the estimation of carbon footprints, and reducing those footprints, as well as voluntary compensation and contribution.
With the revamp, Climate Neutral Now introduces new criteria for participation, where signatories are graded at three different levels; bronze, silver and gold; for each area – measure, reduce and contribute. These new criteria, and additional information on the Climate Neutral Now process, will be presented during the Launch Event. Additionally, two panel discussions will be held to exchange views from companies and non-party stakeholders, as well as governments, on how we can all work towards climate neutrality.
This Regional Launch Event is co-organized by UNFCCC-IGES Regional Collaboration Centre for Asia and the Pacific, RCC Bangkok, UNFCCC-WGEO Regional Collaboration Centre for Middle East and North Africa, RCC Dubai, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, UN ESCAP, and the UNFCCC Secretariat.