Climate Neutral Now Initiative
The Climate Neutral Now Initiative was 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, and was phased out at the end of 2024.
The Climate Neutral Now Initiative encouraged and supported organizations to act in order to achieve a climate-neutral world by 2050. It served as a tool to promote and provide recognition for climate action. Participants joined by signing the Climate Neutral Now Pledge, which included committing to three steps (Measure, Reduce, Contribute), and reporting their actions and achievements annually (Report). Information on Climate Neutral Now participants active at the Initiative’s closure on 31 December 2024 is available in the archive.
The UNFCCC secretariat decided to phase down the Climate Neutral Now Initiative following an assessment of the Initiative’s alignment with evolving global standards, such as the recommendations made by the High-Level Expert Group in their report Integrity Matters: Net-Zero Commitments by Businesses, Financial Institutions Cities and Regions. Under the new net-zero paradigm several hallmarks have been observed, for example:
- Net Zero alignment: The commitments must be clear and aligned with a 1.5°C pathway. Such commitments must be accompanied by interim short-term goals consistent with the pathway (e.g. 50 per cent reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050);
- Offsetting: Clarity about offsetting is becoming more important, detailing: quality of units, and to which extent offsetting will be relied on instead of own emission reductions;
- Transparency: Regular (annual/biennial) reporting on progress and publication of non-confidential transition plan;
- Just transition: Provisions for protecting people and nature, delivering a just transition;
Pathways for Non-Party Stakeholders
The UNFCCC secretariat invites you to explore the NAZCA portal (Non-State Actor Zone for Climate Action) as the central transparency hub for non-Party stakeholders and the Global Climate Action Agenda. NAZCA provides global visibility of progress toward voluntary climate actions and commitments by regions, cities, companies, investors, and other organizations.
Non-Party stakeholders are encouraged to visit the Register your action page to learn more about registering their climate actions and cooperative initiatives on the NAZCA portal, or to join existing recognized initiatives.
Looking Ahead
While the Climate Neutral Now Initiative has ended, its legacy lives on in the secretariat’s continued efforts to engage non-Party stakeholders in meaningful climate action. The transition to the new net zero paradigm marks a new chapter, emphasizing integrity and transparency in global climate action.
Climate Neutral Now’s closure is independent of the operation of the online platform for the voluntary cancellation of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), operated by the CDM Executive Board.
