Race to Zero

Why Race to Zero? 

• Ambition in line with the Paris Agreement, and Welsh Government commitments.
• Transparency mandated by Race to Zero enables public trust for the transition we need
• A vision for a healthier, fairer future is embedded in the initiative, where society can meet the needs of those who most need support.
• Consumption emissions are considered – a key loophole that needs closing in many action plans, tied to emissions for goods consumed in an area, but made elsewhere.
• Robust data on emissions and plans, consistent across society
• A compelling local-to-global vision to inspire support and action – within organisations and with stakeholders and the public
• Focus on area-based emissions reduction, not just internal operational emissions – supporting communities to transition to a low-carbon future
• Access to a huge wealth of knowledge and resources via the C40 Knowledge Hub – including resources on community engagement aligned with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act ways of working
• Collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving with other signatories in Wales and globally
• Investment – clear, ambitious, aligned, and coherent climate plans, are a very appealing prospect for the right kind of investors including thousands of Race to Zero aligned organisations globally.
• Existing emissions reduction work can fit into Race to Zero Plans
• Formal recognition by the UN
• Using a global framework, accessible everywhere, opens up the potential for Wales to be an inspiration for the rest of the world to follow. 

Local Authorities – a key role to play

Local authorities have powers or influence over a third of emissions in their local areas – so they are crucial to transforming Wales to a net-zero future. At the moment, most focus on their own operational emissions, only a small piece of their possible influence, rather than leading society-wide action in their area.

The UN’s Race to Zero initiative is supporting, galvanising and unlocking action by local governments and others across the globe – scaling up the rigorous and immediate action needed to deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world.

Half of Wales’ 22 local authorities are on a path to joining Race to Zero – we want all of them to join and engage local communities in developing and delivering locally-tailored plans.

Local authority members of Race to Zero deliver, on average, three times more climate action because they have high-ambition plans and are better at attracting investment. Well-planed action can also secure more wellbeing benefits, and deliver positive impacts both locally and globally.