Just three of UK top firms rule out carbon offsets to reach net zero, data shows
Just three of the UKs top firms have publicly ruled out using carbon offsets in net zero plans, a new data tool shows. AstraZeneca , Mondi and Marks & Spencer are the only three out of 78 companies in the UK from the Forbes Global 2000 list who have publicly said they will not use offsets to decarbonise, according to net zero Tracker from the Ecology and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) and the University of Oxford. The online tool, launched publicly on Thursday, shows that 27% of these UK companies said they will use offsets and 47% with net zero targets have not specified. One fifth of the UK companies (22%) have made no announcement of net zero targets at all. It comes after last years report from the UN Secretary-Generals expert group said offset credits cannot be counted toward a companys interim emission reductions required by its net zero pathway. There is also growing concern around the lack of regulation and whether some governments and companies will turn to offsets over committing to ending their reliance on fossil fuels. More widely, the tracker shows that just 1.3% of the Forbes Global 2000 worldwide have publicly committed to using no offsetting schemes. Meanwhile, 18.5% have said they will use offsets and 26% are not specified. More than half of all Forbes 2000 companies (54%) have no net zero target at all, the tracker shows. Of those with targets, only 16% cover Scope 3 emissions those from the products a company sells. John Lang of the ECIU said: Most companies are strategically vague on the use of offset credits, leaving the door open to cheap, low-integrity credits which are simply a distraction from the strong, rapid and sustained near-term emission reductions that science deems necessary. It's encouraging that a small group of company net zero targets have ruled out using offset credits and are prioritising near-term emission reductions Its encouraging that a small group of company net zero targets have ruled out using offset credits and are prioritising near-term emission reductions. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Combined with other measures of quality, such as full coverage of value chain emissions, this allows companies to claim a credible net zero pathway and satisfy the necessary integrity prerequisites for reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. Kate Levick, co-head of the UKs Transition Plan Taskforce Secretariat, said the pivot to regulation of companies net zero targets and delivery will be rapid. Leading firms in the UK and EU are already publishing climate transition plans because regulatory requirements are imminent, she said. International standards for these disclosures are in process of development and they will soon become a global regulatory norm. The pivot to regulation in this area will be rapid, and firms will benefit from early adoption using existing best practice such as the TPT Framework. PA Wire Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Log in New to The Independent? Or if you would prefer: Want an ad-free experience? Hi {{indy.fullName}}