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1000 Chartered Accountants /
About the Race to Zero

About the Race to Zero

About the Race to Zero

Race To Zero is an initiative of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ('UNFCCC'). It pulls together other initiatives from across the climate action community under a single umbrella.

The idea behind Race to Zero is to build momentum in the drive to create a decarbonized economy ahead of COP26 in November 2021.

At COP26, Governments will commit to being more ambitious in their climate action. The objective of Race to Zero is to mobilize actors outside of governments (businesses, cities, universities) to join this drive. This will send governments a resounding signal that business, cities, regions and investors are united in meeting the Paris goals and creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Find our more.

How can I take part in the Race to Zero?

You may already be taking part in the Race to Zero! If your organisation has already signed up to one of the net-zero partner campaigns below which is under the Race to Zero ‘umbrella’, you are already part of the Race to Zero campaign. The table below lists the partner organisations that all meet Race to Zero’s criteria:

Organisation type	Partner
Businesses	Business Ambition for 1.5 C - Our Only Future The Climate Pledge Exponential Roadmap Initiative Planet Mark
Small and medium enterprise	SME Climate Hub
Certified B Corporation	B Corporation
Chambers of Commerce	International Chamber of Commerce Chambers Climate Coalition
Cities	Cities Race to Zero Exponential Roadmap Initiative
Investors	Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative Net-Zero Asset Owners Alliance Paris Aligned Investment Initiative
Regions/States	Under2Coalition
Universities	Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges Second Nature
Sector specific	Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action Water UK International Wineries for Climate Action Health Care Without Harm

What if my organisation or client is not signed up to a Race to Zero initiative?

If it is not part of one of these campaigns, there are several ways your organisation can join up. Your organisation - or your client - can enter the Race to Zero by signing up with an official Race to Zero partner. See the table above for links to the partner organisation that is right for you.

Although each partner may have slightly different criteria for joining, the meta-criteria for joining the race is known as the Four P’s:

Pledge: Pledge at the head-of-organisation level to reach net zero GHGs as soon as possible, and by 2050 at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5C.
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
Proceed: Take immediate action toward achieving net zero, consistent with delivering interim targets specified.
Publish: Commit to report publicly both progress against interim and long-term targets, as well as the actions being taken, at least annually. To the extent possible, report via platforms that feed into the UNFCCC Global Climate Action Portal.

Find out more

About COP26

What is COP26?

COP26 is the 2021 United Nations climate change conference. Many believe that is is the world’s best last chance to get climate change under control.

COP stands for 'Conference of the Parties'. They are global climate summits that bring together almost every country on earth. The UN has been running COPs for nearly 30 years. In that time climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority.

This year will be the 26th annual summit (hence the name, COP26). With the UK as President, COP26 takes place in Glasgow. More than 190 world leaders will attend, along with tens of thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses and citizens.

COP26 Goals

Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach
Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
Mobilise finance
Work together to deliver

At COP26 countries will:

finalise the Paris Rulebook (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational)
accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society.

For more see COP26 EXPLAINED