Led by the High-Level Climate Champions for Climate Action, the Race To Zero mobilizes actors outside of national governments to join the Climate Ambition Alliance, which was launched at the UNSG’s Climate Action Summit in 2019 by the President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera. The objective is to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonized economy ahead of COP28, where governments must strengthen their contributions to the Paris Agreement. This will send governments a resounding signal that businesses, cities, regions, investors and universities and colleges are united in meeting the Paris goals and creating a more inclusive and resilient economy. By joining the Race to Zero, you will help demonstrate both the education sector’s commitment to the net zero agenda as well as your institution’s leadership on a global level at COP28 in November 2023.

 

How it works: 

Pledge - Pledge at head-of-organization level to reach (net) zero GHGs as soon as possible, and by mid-century at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5C. Set an interim target to achieve in the next decade, which reflects maximum effort towards or beyond a fair share of the 50% global reduction in CO2 by 2030 identified in the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5C. You have one year after you sign to set your targets.

Plan - Within 12 months of joining explain what actions will be taken toward achieving both interim and longer-term pledges, especially in the short-to-medium term. You have one year after you sign to set your action plan.

Proceed - Take immediate action toward achieving (net) zero, consistent with delivering interim targets specified. You have one year after you sign to set your targets.

Publish - Commit to report publicly both progress against interim and long-term targets, as well as the actions being taken, at least annually. You have one year after you sign to develop your annual report.

Persuade - The 5th P was introduced through the 2022 Criteria Consultation in recognition of the importance of aligning each actor’s influencing capacities with their net zero commitments. The Race to Zero campaign will prioritize, with its Partners, the implementation of ‘Persuade’, building on findings of the Pivot Point report launched on 21 September 2022.

Making An Impact: 

You... 

  • Decide it's time universities and colleges take action now.
  • Sign up and say that your institution wants to be zero carbon. Once signed you have up to one year to set your target and agree your action plan.
  • Tell Race to Zero what actions your institution is already taking and what you plan to do next.
Race to Zero... 
  • Shows commitment - they will send you your Race to Zero certificate so you can show that your university or college is leading the way in the climate crisis.
  • Keeps you updated with ideas and projects to reduce your carbon even further.
Together...
  • We all unite to represent the voice of universities and colleges to global governments.
  • We show global governments that there is a vital need for their support each year at COP to make every university & college zero carbon by 2030.

Helpful Links

  • Browse the Race to Zero campaign or sign up here
  • Not a University or College? Check out other Race to Zero campaigns by following the link here
Latest update: 02.11.2023