Join the Race to Zero
Environmental Defense Fund
Race to Zero is the UN-backed global campaign rallying non-state actors to take rigorous and immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world in time. All members are committed to the same overarching goal: reducing emissions across all scopes swiftly and fairly in line with the Paris Agreement, with transparent action plans and robust near-term targets.
Individual organizations are invited to join the Race by applying to Partner Initiatives. Partners are the pillars of the campaign and serve as funnels for which members can join.
As a member:
- Your climate commitments and action efforts will be recognized as credible and science-based, supported by the UN;
- You will be supported in setting, implementing and achieving your targets;
- You will join a community of members spanning regions and sectors, with whom to share tools and knowledge.
Race to Zero sets out robust criteria for all its members to meet. The following criteria have been annually reviewed to continue being clarified and strengthened:
Pledge
Pledge at head-of-organization level to reach net zero GHGs as soon as possible, and by mid-century at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. Set an interim target to achieve in the next decade, which reflects maximum effort towards or beyond a fair share of the 50% global reduction in CO2 by 2030 identified in the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. You have one year after you sign to set your targets.
Plan
Within 12 months of joining explain what actions will be taken toward achieving both interim and longer-term pledges, especially in the short-to-medium term. You have one year after you sign to set your action plan.
Proceed
Take immediate action toward achieving (net) zero, consistent with delivering interim targets specified. You have one year after you sign to set your targets.
Publish
Commit to report publicly both progress against interim and long-term targets, as well as the actions being taken, at least annually. You have one year after you sign to develop your annual report.
Persuade
The 5th P was introduced through the 2022 Criteria Consultation in recognition of the importance of aligning each actor’s influencing capacities with their net zero commitments. The Race to Zero campaign will prioritize the implementation of ‘Persuade’ building on findings of the Pivot Point report launched on 21 September 2022.