Race to Zero Cymru
Accelerating the Race to Zero in Wales
The latest science shows that even a 1.5-degree temperature rise risks breaching critical tipping points in the Earth’s natural systems that support life. The future of civilisation, and the natural world as we know it, rests on removing barriers to decarbonisation and delivering accelerated practical action.
Race to Zero is a UN backed global initiative rallying non-state actors to take rigorous and immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world. Members adopt robust action plans and commit to transparent reporting.
Race to Zero is big and growing. Since June 2020, over 11,000 members have joined the campaign – from the largest mega-cities in the world to rural local authorities to businesses, utilities, and universities. Over 50 councils in the UK have now joined Race to Zero.
THREE REASONS to join Race to zero
Be Leaders
This is a moment for bold leadership to change the course of history.
Join the most powerful climate leadership operation on Earth.
Succeed
Massive carbon reductions are already being achieved.
Race to Zero is a global peer community with access to a vast resource of guidance, case studies and practical tools to help deliver and communicate action.
Collaborate
Work efficiently across administrative levels, geographical areas and organisations in Wales using the same coherent framework for ambition, analysis and action. Come together across Wales to solve common problems, innovate and find economies of scale.
Work with local communities to develop locally tailored solutions.
Wales / Cymru
Wales is a small country with big ambition.
In 2015, the ground-breaking Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act committed Wales to being a “globally responsible” nation.
In 2019, Wales became the first nation in the world to declare a climate emergency, and the Welsh Government has adopted a Team Wales approach that encourages all parts of society to contribute to a just transition to a zero-carbon future.
The target to meet Wales’ first Carbon Budget (2016-2020) has been outperformed with a reduction of 28% below 1990 levels.
In recognition of the need to further accelerate climate action, the Co-operation Agreement initiated a Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group to explore amending Wales’ net zero target from 2050 to 2035 (see Race to Zero and Net Zero 2035 briefing).
In June 2023 the Climate Change Committee warned that Wales is not on track to meet future carbon budgets and the Welsh Government must use all of the powers at its disposal must now accelerate decarbonisation.
Amongst other recommendations, the Committee highlighted the need for: greater clarity about the role of local authorities; improved quality of local authority climate action plans; and appropriate funding for local authorities to deliver climate action.
Race to Zero is a framework that can help Wales to raise ambition, achieve the clarity needed and close the delivery gap.
Momentum is growing for Wales to become the first Race to Zero nation – using the UN-backed framework to accelerate climate action across all sectors and administrative levels in Wales. Wales as a nation is a member of Race to Zero via membership of the Under2 Coalition of higher climate ambition nations. Half of the 22 local authorities in Wales are on a path to join Race to Zero as are our three National Parks. Wales’ three biggest universities, several businesses, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water are members. At the first meeting of Race to Zero Cymru, the Welsh Climate Change Minister welcomed the initiative and said she would encourage relevant organisations in Wales to join Race to Zero.
RACE TO ZERO AND THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS
All over the world, Race to Zero members are working to reduce carbon emissions in a way that benefits those with least resources and that leaves no-one behind.
Well-insulated homes, good public transport and access to healthy local low-carbon food are examples of measures that address immediate basic needs, build sustainable local economies, and cut carbon emissions simultaneously.
The cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis must be tackled together.
Accelerate the race
Get in touch if you want to:
- Find out more about Race to Zero
- Connect with other Race to Zero members or prospective members in Wales
- Support existing members to deliver
- Encourage your local authority, university, or other organisation to join Race to Zero
Featured News
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Read Article: Rural as well as urban areas are critical in the Race to ZeroRural as well as urban areas are critical in the Race to Zero
The Welsh Government has asked Welsh National Parks to “become exemplars in responding to the climate and nature emergency”. This is a challenge we embrace. We are committed to demonstrating […]
