The German company ClimatePartner reported that the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) - a collaboration between CDP, UN Global Compact, WRI and WWF - published five possible scenarios with which companies can bring their CO2 emissions towards “net zero.” The most ambitious approach is called “climate positive” and includes the following aspects:
- Companies should set stringent reduction targets that will help limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
- In doing so, they should take responsibility for their current emissions and offset the corresponding amount of CO2, including emissions from the value chain.
- They should also expand the scope of their compensation measures to include projects to eliminate CO2 emissions (carbon removal). These include planting trees or using technologies to capture CO2 from the atmosphere (direct air capture) until the effects correspond to their own gross emissions (neutralization).
The SBTi report considers the offsetting or neutralization of a company’s CO2 emissions as a valid tool in the transition to net zero. ClimatePartner is welcoming this approach as it provides companies with a clear and straightforward path for their climate protection measures and thus contributes effectively to the fight against climate change. If companies follow this concept, they can not only follow the path to net zero emissions in the medium to long term, but also offer climate-neutral products at an early stage.
