WorldGBC Advancing Net Zero Status Report 2022 Advancing Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Emissions In November 2021, the world came together for one of the most important moments in tackling the climate emergency since the signing of the Paris Agreement — COP26. As party and non-party actors gathered in Glasgow, Scotland, expectations were high for meaningful action to combat climate change. The 2022 IPCC Sixth Assessment Climate Change Mitigation Report, released in April 2022, states that “It’s now or never, if we want to limit global warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F). Without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors, it will be impossible.” For the first time, wind and solar generated more than 10% of electricity globally in 2021. Fifty countries have crossed the 10% wind and solar landmark, with seven new countries added in 2021. However, power from coal also rose 9% in 2021, to a new record high. 1 The evidence is clear: the time for action is now. We can halve emissions by 2030. The built environment can be a critical climate solution. “We see examples of zero energy or zero-carbon buildings in almost all climates,” said IPCC Working Group III Co-Chair Jim Skea. “Action in this decade is critical to capture the mitigation potential of buildings”. COP26 saw unprecedented coverage on the importance of tackling total emissions from our built environment, with significant actions announced. We must continue to build on this momentum and keep advancing net zero together. 1 https://climatechampions.unfccc.int/wind-and-solar-generated-10-of- global-electricity-in-2021-a-world-first/ “The need for urgent action is critical. WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment provides a bold approach for businesses looking to be a front runner in decarbonising emissions from buildings by 2030.” PAGE 08 Nigel Topping, High Level Champion for Climate Action COP26
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