Global body, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched the world’s first standard method for companies to set targets in reducing and removing land-based emissions.
The Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) Science Based Target Setting Guidance is set to help businesses within the food and agriculture sectors by providing them with tools to prevent the impact of climate change and to understand how to accelerate decarbonisation.
This comes as the land-intensive sector represents 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions and although over 360 companies have committed or set targets through the SBTi, few account for land-based emissions.
Under the new guidance, companies within this sector with land-related emissions that contribute to 20% of their overall emissions, will now be required to set FLAG science-based targets and commit to zero-deforestation by 2025.
“The next few years are critical in our efforts to address the climate crisis, and this guidance addresses 22% of global emissions that have largely been ignored to date,” WWF director and STBi FLAG project co-lead, Christa Anderson said.
“The food, land and agriculture sector has the potential to both cut emissions and enhance carbon sinks at the pace to keep the goal of limiting climate change to 1.5°C within reach.
“Companies should incorporate this guidance into their planning and take action now – stop deforestation and improve land management practices – if we are to have a sustainable future tomorrow.”
WWF senior director and SBTi senior advisor, Martha Stevenson added: “The commercialization of our natural environment is a significant source of emissions and is also the sector most vulnerable to the effects of global warming.
“Heat waves and droughts have become more frequent and intense. Storms have gotten stronger and floods more destructive. This is already causing serious damage to ecosystems, threatening food security, human health, businesses and economies around the world – especially in emerging countries.
“To avoid the devastating impacts of the climate crisis and to build resilience in the most vulnerable communities, cutting land-related emissions must be a priority.”
