Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is fundamental for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and will require countries to undertake systemic economic transformations. With this aim, many countries have adopted 2050 net-zero plans, in accordance with Paris Agreement provisions. However, many more are still to do so.
Furthermore, achieving net-zero emissions cannot lead to biodiversity loss and land degradation. There are many opportunities to achieve net-zero emissions in a way which is nature-positive. Presently, economic models undermine a net-zero nature positive future and show a general downward trend in the state of natural capital and an upward trend in manufactured human capital. Destruction of ecosystems undermines nature’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and increases vulnerability to climate disaster which itself is a major driver of biodiversity loss. Land degradation and biodiversity decline because of deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources and pollution affects food security, poverty reduction, disaster resilience and long-term stability of ecosystems. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) still require deeper integration of biodiversity considerations.
Considering multiple co-benefits of nature-positive climate action, and the financing efficiencies, is imperative that countries pursue net-zero development trajectories that are nature positive. This will support the twin-implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
Although existing initiatives already address important elements of the climate and nature imperatives, there is still a lack of focus on the link of net-zero and nature-positive agendas and an integrated approach of interventions on both the economy-wide upstream and sector-specific downstream levels. The goal of the new GEF-8 Net-Zero Nature-Positive (NZNP) Accelerator Integrated Program, led by UNEP together with ADB and CAF, is to support countries to achieve their national net-zero targets through long-term economic transformation that is inclusive and nature-positive. UNEP’s vision as co-lead for this Program is fivefold, aiming to:
- Guide countries to develop integrated cross-sectoral models for a systemic transition to a NZNP economy.
- Integrate nature’s value into decision-making on net-zero policy interventions.
- Support policy shifts to deliver whole of economy and sectoral targets set by integrated modelling.
- Facilitate financing for NZNP strategies in partnership with regional financial institutions to achieve investment goals through high-impact projects that are NZNP- aligned.
- Support public and private sector financial actors to accurately define and identify NZNP alignment to the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
- Support countries to measure progress on meeting their NZNP goals and targets.
The Program’s design is modular, to meet country needs where they currently stand. The Program will be delivered through 12 country child projects and coordinated by a Global Platform. The latter will provide coordination and technical assistance, while fostering knowledge sharing and innovation at regional and global levels. Promoting an integrated whole-economy approach, the Program will ensure that all country projects integrate biodiversity and land degradation neutrality into zero strategies.
The Program is expected to generate benefits towards climate, biodiversity, and land degradation by supporting activities aimed at preserving and enhancing resilient carbon sinks in natural ecosystems. Specifically, it is expected to result in:
- approximately 75 million CO2 tons of emissions reductions.
- approximately 1 million ha of land under restoration
Countries
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Indonesia
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Viet Nam
Partners and stakeholders
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Development Bank of Latin America (CAF)
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)
- UN Development Programme (UNDP)
- UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
- UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
- UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)
- Climate Policy Initiative (CPI)
- 2050 Pathways Platform
- Government and line ministries
- Business and industry
- Financial Institutions (FIs)
- Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)
- Academia
- Civil society
For more information, contact:
Asher Lessels, Co-Portfolio Manager, Climate Change Mitigation Focal Area
