The big con. How big polluters are advancing a “net zero” climate agenda to delay, deceive, and deny
Corporate Accountability, Boston ; Friends of the Earth International, Amsterdam ; Global Forest Coalition, Utrecht
Corporate Europe Observatory - Brussels
2021
45 p.
climate change ; decarbonization ; petroleum and natural gas industry ; interest group
Environment
English
Bibliogr.
""Net zero" is stamped all over EU, international and national climate policies. The EU's Green Deal and related policies have all adopted climate neutrality and ‘net-zero emissions' by 2050. What this means in practice is that while some greenhouse gas emissions will be cut, fossil fuels will continue to be burnt and their emissions will be ‘balanced' or 'offset' with an ‘equivalent' amount of so-called ‘carbon removal'.
The fossil fuel industry and other big polluters are racing to be the loudest and proudest in pledging “net zero” emissions. Over recent years, more than 1,500 corporations, including some of the biggest climate criminals such as Shell, Total and Eni, have made “net zero” commitments. But is “net zero” something to be celebrated?
The Big Con: How Big Polluters are advancing a “net zero” climate agenda to delay, deceive, and deny presents evidence to show how “net zero” climate plans are simply the latest attempt by polluting industries, and the neoliberal governments doing their bidding, to escape responsibility to act to address climate change or to repair the damage they've imposed on ecosystems and frontline communities. Their proposed plans could even worsen the climate crisis."
Digital
The ETUI is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ETUI.