With momentum building for net zero emissions commitments in the lead up to COP 26 in Glasgow, the Race to Zero in NSW campaign will be launched to rally local businesses, financial institutions, local councils and universities to commit to a net zero target by 2050 or sooner.

Race to Zero is the UN-backed global campaign rallying non-state actors – including companies, cities, regions, financial, educational, and healthcare institutions – to take rigorous and immediate action to reduce emissions and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world in time.

In NSW, the Race to Zero campaign is supported by the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia, Impact X, and the NSW Department of Industry, Planning and Environment. NSW was one of the earliest Australian jurisdictions to commit to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and recently announced a 2030 target to reduce emissions by 50% from 2005 levels.

All participants who join the campaign are committed to the same overarching goal: reducing emissions across all scopes swiftly and fairly in line with the Paris Agreement, with transparent action plans and robust near-term targets.

“It’s no longer just large corporations and governments that hold the keys to a better planet – every business, no matter the size, needs to go all in to halve emissions by 2030. Now is the time for all businesses across New South Wales and around the world to commit to climate action and be counted in the Race to Zero. Together, we can strengthen competitiveness, resilience and growth.” said Maria Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition.

“The Race to achieve net zero emissions sooner than 2050 is accelerating. Greater 2030 ambition will be critical however and all organisations, everywhere, need to commit and take action on their plans.” said Impact X CEO, Tony Gourlay. “The Race to Zero in NSW campaign will drive local participation in the global race and demonstrate ambitious climate action from NSW and Australia.”

More than 30 organisations in NSW have already signed up to Race to Zero with large corporations including Atlassian, Australian Ethical, Brambles and Lendlease joining SMEs, financial institutions, local councils and universities across the state.

Race to Zero in NSW will be officially launched at the Impact X Summit in Sydney, 2 November, where more than 1200 participants will discuss accelerated pathways to net zero for industries and present a more ambitious and optimistic message on climate action from Australia.

Find out more at www.racetozero.org.au