Pledge to Net Zero, the initiative tackling greenhouse gas emissions within the UK’s environmental services sector, has formally joined the United Nations Race to Zero campaign. 

Race To Zero is a global campaign aiming to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors and universities for a resilient, zero-carbon recovery.

All members are committed to the same overarching goal: achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest.

Pledge To Net Zero was launched in late 2019 to convene fast climate action in the UK’s environmental sector. It requires signatories to commit to delivering a greenhouse gas target in line with either a 1.5°C climate change scenario or well below 2°C.

So far, 73 firms and Institutions have joined up, covering around 80% of the UK environmental consulting market and 60,000 UK employees.

Andrew Griffith MP, UK Net Zero Business Champion, said: ‘Pledge To Net Zero is playing a leading role in driving the UK’s environmental services sector towards the goal of reducing carbon emissions and achieving our 2050 net-zero target.

‘Becoming part of the UNFCCC’s Race To Zero campaign shows recognition of this and I congratulate all involved on this achievement.

‘I look forward to seeing the initiative go from strength to strength, particularly with its potential to share world-leading environmental expertise internationally.”

Emma Wilcox, chief executive at the Society for the Environment, said: ‘With the eyes of the world on Glasgow in November, we must use the huge opportunity presented by COP26 to drive tangible action on climate and the environment. This means ensuring that environmental professionals are leading the way, not just through their words but through their actions and leadership.

‘Possessing the highest standards of competence and expertise, environmental professionals are equipped to meet the challenge – so long as they receive the support of organisations, investors and policymakers. As science-based initiatives requiring rigorous action from signatories, Pledge to Net Zero and Race To Zero are helping turn commitments into real change on the road to achieving net-zero.’

Source: Environment Journal