Climate commitments by countries, regions, cities, and businesses are numerous. We list here an overview of climate actions and targets by countries, regions, cities, and businesses that ultimately aim for net-zero emissions. This growing list shows that in all areas, there are actors with the ambition level needed to fully decarbonise our society. For net-zero emission targets, 100% renewable targets and 100% emission free vehicles, the groups of actors is already sizeable. Even in sectors in which reaching net-zero emissions is difficult, such as aviation and heavy industry, some actors have started to make steps in the right direction.

While the categories of commitments show the actions needed to keep temperature increase to well below 2°C / 1.5°C, we have not assessed whether individual commitments are aligned with these objectives. The targets differ in various respects, including the extent to which they are legally binding, the percentages and target years adopted, whether they refer to GHG or CO2 emissions and whether they are net targets. These specifications are important for a detailed and accurate evaluation of the individual commitments.

The table was first presented in chapter 5 of the UNEP Gap report 2019, later in a comment in Nature and is updated regularly since. Given the scope of existing policies and rapid change in policymaking, the table makes no claim to be exhaustive. Greyed cells indicate that no data is available, or that the policy or action is not relevant in the specific actor scope. Comments on additions are welcome, please contact Leonardo Nascimento.

Last updated 19 May 2020