SUMMARY: The article discusses the need for developing countries to chart their own course to net-zero emissions. Net-zero targets are the most recent attempt by countries to avoid the 2°C or 1.5°C increase in global temperatures and avoid a climate change crisis. A blanket approach to net-zero targets is not advised as developing counties have yet to reach their peak emissions and have less emissions per capita. Emissions reductions could also take longer in developing countries as they have other overriding challenges such as poverty and inequality. For the world to reach carbon neutrality in 2050, developed countries have to reach net zero carbon emissions earlier.
KEY FINDINGS / RECOMMENDATIONS: Net zero targets are a powerful way to signal a common cause between nations. Retaining the sense of solidarity will require that these targets be consistent with demands for climate justice and national contexts. This approach to net-zero makes for smarter policies and increase the changes of real actions. Instead of a single net zero transition, there must be space for multiple transitions, consistent with climate justice and tailored to different national contexts.
Read online: https://theconversation.com/developing-countries-need-to-chart-their-own-course-to-net-zero-emissions-159655