- In 2015, the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) launched a significant initiative known as “Climate Neutral Now.”
- This initiative aimed to actively engage and mobilize various sectors of society in the global effort to combat climate change.
- The following year, the UNFCCC Secretariat expanded its commitment to this cause by introducing a new pillar under its broader “Momentum for Change” initiative, specifically dedicated to Climate Neutral Now.
- The primary objective of Climate Neutral Now is to inspire and support diverse entities at all levels of society, including individuals, companies, and governments, in taking tangible steps towards achieving a climate-neutral world.
- This vision aligns with the broader goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global temperature rise and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Achieving climate neutrality through this initiative involves a three-step process that requires active participation from individuals, companies, and governments alike:
Measure their Climate Footprint:
Individuals, companies, and governments are encouraged to assess and quantify their carbon emissions, commonly referred to as their “climate footprint.” This step involves understanding and accounting for the total amount of greenhouse gases produced as a result of various activities and operations.
Reduce Emissions:
Once the climate footprint is determined, the next crucial step is to actively reduce emissions as much as possible. This involves implementing measures and adopting practices that contribute to minimizing the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Such efforts may include energy efficiency improvements, the adoption of sustainable practices, and the utilization of renewable energy sources.
Offset Unavoidable Emissions with UN Certified Emission Reductions:
Recognizing that it may be challenging to completely eliminate all emissions, Climate Neutral Now provides a mechanism for offsetting unavoidable emissions. This is achieved through the purchase of UN certified emission reductions, which represent verified and measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Offsetting allows entities to balance out their remaining emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of emissions elsewhere.
By encouraging these steps, Climate Neutral Now seeks to create a collective and impactful movement towards a climate-neutral world by mid-century. The initiative emphasizes the importance of individual and collective responsibility, recognizing that diverse stakeholders play a crucial role in addressing the global challenge of climate change.
FAQs about Climate Neutral Now Initiative by UNFCCC
Q1: What is the Climate Neutral Now initiative, and when was it launched?
A1: The Climate Neutral Now initiative was launched in 2015 by the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was designed to actively engage individuals, companies, and governments in the global effort to combat climate change.
Q2: What is the significance of the Momentum for Change initiative in relation to Climate Neutral Now?
A2: In 2016, the UNFCCC Secretariat expanded its commitment to climate action by introducing a new pillar under its broader Momentum for Change initiative, specifically dedicated to Climate Neutral Now. This demonstrated a continued and strengthened focus on achieving climate neutrality.
Q3: What is the primary objective of Climate Neutral Now?
A3: The primary objective of Climate Neutral Now is to inspire and support entities at all levels of society, including individuals, companies, and governments, in taking concrete steps towards achieving a climate-neutral world. This vision aligns with the broader goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Q4: How does Climate Neutral Now contribute to the goals of the Paris Agreement?
A4: Climate Neutral Now aligns with the Paris Agreement by actively promoting efforts to limit global temperature rise and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It encourages practical actions by diverse stakeholders to work towards a climate-neutral world by mid-century.
Q5: What are the key steps involved in achieving climate neutrality through this initiative?
A5: The process involves three key steps:
- Measuring the Climate Footprint: Assessing and quantifying carbon emissions, known as the “climate footprint.”
- Reducing Emissions: Actively implementing measures to minimize the release of greenhouse gases, such as energy efficiency improvements and sustainable practices.
- Offsetting Unavoidable Emissions: Compensating for remaining emissions by purchasing UN certified emission reductions, contributing to verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
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