How Is KR 7.1 Tracking?
Globally, commitments are off track to reach the two most crucial goals for a livable planet: cutting emissions in half by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. Of the world’s top five emitters, only the EU (plus the UK) has committed to those targets.
In the U.S., the national climate policy that passed Congress in August 2022 targets a 40% cut by 2030. Additional measures and efforts are needed to reach the 50 percent goal.
China has committed to phase out coal starting in 2026 and to reach net zero by 2060. But given the country’s impact as the world’s largest emittor, those dates need to change, to 2024 and 2050, respectively.
India’s commitment to net zero by 2070 falls short of the needed urgency. While 2050 is most likely unrealistic for a developing economy like India’s, a target date of 2060 or even earlier may be achievable
Despite Russia’s declared goal of net zero by 2060, Putin’s government has obstructed solutions to the climate crisis.
We’re tracking the top five emitters on their commitment to net zero and their progress enacting six key policies — for electricity, transportation, buildings, industry, carbon labeling on products, and stopping methane leaks.
KR 7.1 draws from a wide range of sources, including the Climate Action Tracker, the BBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, President Biden’s Executive Orders, the European Climate Law, the European Commission, BP Statistical Review, the Clean Energy States Alliance, Inside EVs, IRS.gov, the European Auto Manufacturers Assoc., the IEA, and Sixth Tone.
Despite a few isolated breakthroughs and some areas of significant progress (particularly in the EU/UK), the top emitters are severely lacking in commitments to a net zero future: