New Group of Countries Unite to Set World on Straight Line to Net Zero Emissions

BAKU, Azerbaijan -The European Union, Mexico, Chile, United Kingdom, Canada, Bhutan, Madagascar, Panama, Suriname, Switzerland, Norway, and Georgia announced they will set 2035 climate targets that are at least on a straight-line to their net zero targets as they bring forward their "Nationally Determined Contributions" (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement in the coming months. Committing to a straight-line to their targets means they will progressively, and more rapidly, cut their emissions from now through 2035.

A statement follows from Manish Bapna, president of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

"The importance of this coalition at this moment in time cannot be overstated. This is precisely the kind of leadership we need right now.

"The fact that this is coming from a group of the world's largest economies and biggest polluting countries means both that it will have real impact, and set a model for others to follow. These countries are sending a powerful signal about the pace of innovation and transformation that major economies can achieve.

"Committing to at least a straight-line to a country's net zero target is an important benchmark in the credibility of delivering on countries commitments under the Paris Agreement. A slower pace of transition would raise questions about the commitment of countries to deliver on their net zero targets.

"We hope other countries will match the level of ambition these countries have set."

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).