Science-Based Targets for Sub-National Governments 

Why sub-national governments should set an emissions reduction target

Cities, states and regions are on the frontline of the climate crisis, and play a critical role in building a zero emissions and resilient planet. 

The science is telling us we must act urgently to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 48% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050, to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels (IPCC AR6). While climate-related risks for natural and human systems are higher at that threshold than at present, beyond this, some future risks and impacts may be long-lasting or irreversible. 

Cities, and states and regions, have a vital role to play in this transition. Setting science-based climate targets is the best way to ensure they are aligned with these global goals. A science-based climate target is a jurisdiction-wide emissions reduction target that represents a fair share of the global emissions reduction required to halve emissions by 2030 and reach global net zero by 2050 or sooner. 

As well as setting a target year to reach net zero, setting interim targets is essential to stay on track with longer term targets and track progress along the way. 

Sub-national governments can take responsibility for their fair share of emissions

Sub-national governments worldwide have varying historic responsibility for and current capacity to respond to climate change. Using a science-based methodology to set a target ensures that these factors are considered, so the target will represent a ‘fair share’ of emission reduction. 

This means that, while the global target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 48% by 2030, the level of reduction required by each subnational government may be higher or lower, dependent on these equity considerations. 

How to get started 

1. Read the Guide for Cities produced by the core cities partners of the Science Based Targets Network – CDP, C40, Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM), Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The guide will give you an introduction to science-based climate targets and an understanding of three different methodologies cities can use to develop your target. States and regions can set a Science-Based target by using the WWF One Planet City Challenge methodology – one of the three methodologies identified by the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). 

2. Set or check your target. Use the methodologies in the guide above to check if your existing target aligns with a fair share of emissions reduction in line with limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. If you don’t have a target, or your target needs updating, use the methodologies in the guide to set a science-based target. States and regions can use the WWF OPCC methodology to set or check your target. 

3. Report your target by disclosing through CDP by responding to either the CDP Cities questionnaire or States and Regions questionnaire. If you don’t have a target, please indicate why you have not yet set one in your response. CDP may contact you following the disclosure deadline to support you with next steps in setting your target. 

4. CDP may check targets for alignment with a fair share of emissions reduction in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and use this to provide the most relevant support for you. Cities that are members of C40, ICLEI, or are participating in WWF’s One Planet City Challenge, will have their targets checked by these partner organizations. 

5. Disclose annually to track progress against your target. It may be necessary to update your target over time, based on progress to date and developments in climate science.

Race to Zero

The Race to Zero is a global campaign run by the UN High-Level Climate Champions to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon transition that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. Cities Race to Zero is the track by which cities can join the campaign and is a coalition between CDP, C40 Cities, GCoM, ICLEI, UCLG, WRI and WWF. Setting a science-based target is a central element of the UNFCCC’s Race to Zero Campaign. 

By joining the Cities Race to Zero, your city pledges to: 

• Endorse the principles of the Cities Race to Zero campaign; 

• Reach net zero in the 2040s or sooner, or by mid-century at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C; 

• Set an interim target to achieve in the next decade, which reflects a fair share of 50% global reduction in CO2 by 2030; 

• Immediately proceed to planning at least one inclusive and equitable climate action that will help to place your city on a resilient pathway consistent with the 1.5°C objective of the Paris Agreement, and begin implementation no later than 2022; and 

• Report progress annually. 

Find out more and join the Cities Race to Zero. 

The Under2 Coalition is a partner to the Race to Zero and supports individual states, regions, provinces, prefectures and other subnational 'actors' to join Race to Zero.