The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched the world’s first standard method for companies to set science-based targets that include land-based emission reductions and removals.
- The Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) Science-Based Target Setting Guidance provides businesses in land-intensive sectors with the tools to play their part in preventing the impacts of climate change.
- This sector represents nearly a quarter (22%) of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the largest emitter after energy.
- However, till now, few companies accounted for land-based emissions in their targets or disclosures due to the lack of available guidance and methods.
- The SBTi FLAG Guidance gives businesses the understanding of how to accelerate decarbonisation of land emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
- The Guidance was developed in consultation with business, academics and civil society, including a public consultation that received over 1,600 comments from more than 165 organisations.
What needs to happen and by when:
- Set near-term FLAG science-based targets: 5–10 year emission reduction targets in line with limiting warming to 1.5°C.
- Account for removals in near-term FLAG science-based targets: GHG removals include things like improving forest management practices, and enhancing soil carbon sequestration on working lands. Read more on how the FLAG pathways address carbon removals here.
- Set long-term FLAG science-based targets: Companies in the forest, land and agriculture sectors will reduce at least 74% of emissions by no later than 2050. They should use the SBTi Net-Zero Standard to set long-term FLAG science-based targets.
- Zero deforestation targets must be set for no later than 2025: In line with the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi). Read more on how this guidance accounts for land-use change emissions here.
- Set science-based targets for fossil emissions: Businesses with land-based emissions are required to set both FLAG science-based targets and science-based targets, since all companies produce fossil emissions.
