According to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, the world must halve its CO2 emissions by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by mid-century.
What is the Climate Ambition Accelerator?
The Climate Ambition Accelerator is a six-month acceleration program that aims to challenge and support UN Global Compact member companies to set ambitious climate goals, in line with climate science, and to integrate into Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Paris Agreement objectives in their business strategies.
It is an opportunity for companies to become a reference within the national and international climate agenda, strengthening their commitment to socially and environmentally responsible performance, fostering innovation, increasing resilience, market value and long-term sustainability.
What benefits does Ambition Net Zero provide?
Through Global Compact Local Networks around the world, participating companies will have access to global best practices, group learning opportunities, training sessions and on-demand training. Participants will learn:
- The science-based targets setting methodology and approach (SBTi);
- The basic knowledge needed to define a solid and ambitious strategy with science-based goals;
- How to drive climate change ambition internally and build adherence and engagement at management and board levels;
- How to manage emissions and the different strategies and initiatives that can be implemented to meet ambitious targets;
- How to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions and engage the value chain to reduce indirect Scope 3 emissions.
How does the journey work?
The Climate Ambition Accelerator program lasts for six months and is exclusive to member companies of the Global Compact. In the case of Brazil, companies that are part of the Global Compact Network Brazil.
It was developed for companies looking to make progress in setting emissions targets based on climate science and who want to build a clear path to address the transition towards zero net greenhouse gas emissions (Net Zero).
During this “climate journey”, the company will be equipped with the knowledge and skills it needs to develop concrete plans to accelerate the strengthening of its climate agenda.
Are companies committing to the goal of reducing net emissions to zero (Net Zero)?
Acknowledging the importance of keeping global warming at 1.5°C, companies are increasingly committed to adopting zero net emissions climate targets. Between July 2019 and June 2020, more than 230 companies committed to achieving zero net emissions as part of the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, an urgent call for companies to set emissions reduction targets in line with 1.5°C . The campaign is led by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and supported by a global coalition of leaders from the United Nations, business organizations and NGOs.
Why do companies need to reduce their emissions?
Companies must commit to reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement, a global treaty created with the objective of reducing global warming. And to achieve this goal, it is necessary to set goals based on science.
But why is it important to have science-based reduction targets?
The adoption of science-based goals ensures the implementation of actions in the short term. Although the Net Zero targets are set for 2050, climate action needs to start today. And we need integrity and credibility to achieve this commitment, which is provided by the SBTi, an initiative created and implemented by four partner organizations – CDP, United Nations Global Compact, WRI and WWF – that act collectively and globally.
The targets adopted by companies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are considered "science-based" if they are in accordance with what the most current climate science indicates as necessary for the Paris Agreement goals to be achieved: limit global warming to well below 2°C relative to pre-industrial levels, making every possible effort to limit this global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
How can a company start working on its targets?
The first step to work on GHG reduction goals is to internalize knowledge. And the best way to do that is to be part of the Climate Ambition Accelerator program. During this “climate journey”, the company will be equipped with the knowledge and skills it needs to develop concrete plans to accelerate the strengthening of its climate agenda.
The program's format allows organizations access to high-level content, global benchmarks and contact with companies with international visibility, while connecting to local challenges and potential.
Who can participate?
To participate in the Climate Ambition Accelerator program, the company must meet the following criteria:
- Be a member of the Global Compact Network Brazil or be willing to join the initiative;
- Be interested in setting ambitious emission reduction targets based on the criteria of the Science Based Targets initiative and that are, therefore, in line with the most current climate science;
- Be willing to nominate two representatives to participate in program activities and events and an executive level representative to monitor program developments, provide support, and participate in high-level events.
General structure
Companies participating in the Climate Ambition Accelerator program will work on the following fronts:
- Top leadership engagement – opportunities to participate in high-level national and international events for engagement and signing of commitments by senior leadership.
- Awareness raising – possibility of participating in national and international campaign to promote the climate agenda inside and outside the organization.
- Capacity Building – self-learning training sessions, group learning opportunity, technical and skills sessions facilitated globally and locally.
The contents are divided into three modules:
- Fundamentals: promotes a deep dive into the methodology for science-based targets setting (SBTi), ranging from the basics to more in-depth discussions on the concept of net zero (for more advanced participants).
- Business case: how to drive climate change ambition internally and build adherence and engagement at management and board levels.
- Implementation: how to manage emissions and greenhouse gases and implement different emission reduction strategies to achieve established targets.
A local initiative with global insight
The Climate Ambition Accelerator program is carried out in 27 countries and is part of the Global Impact Initiatives of the United Nations Global Compact.
Nationally named Ambition Net Zero and implemented by the Global Compact Network Brazil, it was developed in a format that allows organizations access to high-level content, global benchmarks and contact with internationally visible companies, while connecting to challenges and local potential.
Doubts? Visit the program's website for more information.
