Over 20 NGOs have signed a letter calling on the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to raise the bar for validating targets, so that they align with the workings of the UN’s High Level Expert Group.
The NGOs – which include campaigners from groups including the Changing Markets Foundation, Mighty Earth and Feedback Global – highlight that the SBTi is off track from the UN’s recommendations on environmental integrity, accountability and credibility.
The High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero was set up by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in March 2022 to scrutinise pledges about emissions reductions from non-state entities.
At COP27 it shared recommendations on delivering net zero targets while avoiding greenwashing, but analysis from the Changing Markets Foundation showed that SBTi guidelines (which businesses use to validate their targets as scientifically based) don’t align with the guidance.
Subscribe to Sustainability Beat for free
Sign up here to get the latest sustainability news sent straight to your inbox each morning
The issues raised by the NGOs include that SBTi targets have validated companies whose targets align with keeping global warming ‘below 2°C’ above pre-industrial levels, but do not align with the Paris agreement to keep the planet less than 1.5°C warmer.
In addition, they are calling on the SBTi to ensure that companies report all emissions including Scope 3 emissions, and that they have separate targets for non-material greenhouse gas emissions like methane.
The signees have also said that the SBTi should ensure that companies which sign up to voluntary targets (for example around reducing emissions by 45% by 2030), do not lobby behind the scenes against climate legislation.
“As the so-called golden standard on climate action, we believe that SBTi should lead the way on this effort, starting by aligning your methodology and ensuring that companies that do not adapt to targets in a given timeframe can no longer be part of the initiative,” the letter states.
“We are also calling on you to only approve climate action plans from companies that can demonstrate robust plans towards reduced absolute emissions that are 1.5°C aligned.”
