Twentieth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

The credibility of net zero pledges emerged as a critical issue given that reaching net zero is inevitable to meet the 1.5°C global climate goal. Amid the proliferation of net zero pledges, it is observed that several national and municipal governments delayed their net zero targets and policies. They suggest that the governments could be tempted to postpone or abandon their net zero targets and plans under changes in political and economic conditions and circumstances. Such a setback of not meeting the net zero targets may cast doubt on the credibility of ambitious climate targets and plans. This study explores potential factors that discourage governments from meeting their net zero targets based on the case study of Costa Rica, Copenhagen, and the UK. Governments may give up or postpone net zero targets and policies for political purposes. Also, overreliance on carbon removal and external financial support could hinder achieving net zero targets. To avoid retracting from ambitious climate policies and enhance the credibility of net zero pledges, the current net zero pledges need to be scrutinized and ensure legally binding targets, concrete plans, and greater accountability for success and failure.