Net Zero Futures

Mobilising global state and regional leadership on net zero ambition.

Net Zero Futures
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Helping states and regions reach net zero emissions

Net Zero Futures is an initiative led by our co-chair Scotland, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and Climate Group, aimed at increasing action toward net zero emissions in states and regions worldwide.

To support state and regional governments in understanding, setting, and delivering on net zero emissions targets, Net Zero Futures provides the opportunity to:

  • Participate in global peer learning activities to demystify net zero
  • Share learnings and challenges in smaller group in-depth discussions
  • Access expert resources and technical assistance
  • Highlight Net Zero Leaders - governments with net zero targets - ahead of COP26 to demonstrate how ambitious targets can be set and achieved
  • Empower states and regions to join the UN’s Race to Zero campaign

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Why net zero?

The science is clear. As the latest UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment warns, if we continue to emit dangerous greenhouse gasses at current levels, the global warming experienced to date will worsen.

To halt changes in the climate, carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions must stop – reducing them is no longer sufficient. For Net Zero Futures, setting a net zero target means that any emissions are balanced by absorbing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere on timescales compatible with the Paris Agreement.

State and regional governments must be empowered to set net zero targets and develop decarbonisation pathways, delivering long-term emissions reductions and sustainable development.

35 members of the Under2 Coalition currently have net zero targets, with many more in development.
Net Zero Futures supports states and regions that want to plan for and achieve net zero, but are unsure about the process.

To help achieve a just transition to net zero – Scotland is working with partners, not just within our own borders, but also right around the world.

We are an enthusiastic partner in the Under2 Coalition of cities and regions – in fact we are the European co-chair of that Coalition this year.  

And we are keen to encourage even deeper levels of cooperation. That is why Scotland is launching a new Net Zero Leaders group with Bloomberg Philanthropies. We hope that it will strengthen state and regional leadership on climate ambition, in advance of COP26.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland

Our project partners

The Scottish Government

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland and has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, environment, equal opportunities, consumer advocacy and advice, transport and taxation.

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies works to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people by focusing on five key areas: the arts, education, the environment, government innovation, and public health.

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Contact us

Please email us with any questions about the project and our events. We will be happy to help!