The Climate Neutral Now Initiative is one of several initiatives launched by the UNFCCC secretariat to increase climate action by engaging non-Party stakeholders (sub-national governments, companies, organizations, individuals). It was launched in 2015 based on a mandate to promote the voluntary use of carbon market mechanisms recognized under the Convention.

The Climate Neutral Now Initiative encourages and supports organizations to act now in order to achieve a climate neutral world by 2050, as enshrined in the Paris Agreement. It is a tool to promote additional voluntary action on climate and to provide recognition for it. The initiative is not a certification scheme for its participants. An organization can become a participant by signing the Climate Neutral Now Pledge, following the three steps (Measure, Reduce, Contribute) and reporting on its actions and achievements annually.

While Climate Neutral Now is still active, the secretariat is phasing-down the initiative. The recommendations of the Secretary General’s High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities have shown that Climate Neutral Now is not aligned with the recommendations on net-zero.

The phase-down timetable is as follows:

• Pledges will be received until 31 July 2023. After this date, no new pledges will be accepted;
• The 2023 calendar year is the last year for monitoring under Climate Neutral Now;
• Reports on 2023 emissions (or earlier years) will be received until 30 June 2024. After this deadline, no further reports will be accepted;
• Visual assets demonstrating participation in the initiative may be used until 31 December 2024.

For existing participants, it is vital to continue the momentum and become more ambitious. The secretariat leads separate initiatives on Fashion and Sports which may be a good fit for some existing Climate Neutral Now participants. In addition, the High-Level Climate Champions lead the Race to Zero campaign which encompasses a number of initiatives relevant to Climate Neutral Now participants. For example, SME Climate Hub, Planet Mark, Pledge to Net Zero could be a good fit for many of the Climate Neutral Now participants.

In addition, the secretariat urges all non-Party stakeholders to engage through the Tracking and Accountability Framework. The aim of the framework is to recognize and celebrate voluntary non-Party stakeholder contributions and progress toward the goals of the Paris Agreement.

For questions about the phase-down, please contact us at ClimateNeutralNow@unfccc.int