The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which sets and verifies emissions reduction plans for businesses, has launched a new standard method for including land-based reductions and removals in science-based targets. The Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) Science Based Target Setting Guidance provides businesses in land-intensive sectors such as food, agriculture and forestry with the tools to measure and reduce emissions and align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Estimates suggest the sector represents nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. More than 410 companies with land-intensive operations have committed or set targets through SBTi, almost half are publicly reporting GHG emissions, but few account for emissions from forestry and agricultural production, land use change and land management, included on-farm vehicle and fertiliser production. Martha Stevenson, WWF Senior Director and Senior Advisor for the SBTi, said: “To avoid the devastating impacts of the climate crisis and to build resilience in the most vulnerable communities, cutting land-related emissions must be a priority.”
Today, we’re launching the world’s first standard target setting guidance for companies in the forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) sectors, covering corporate land-related emissions and removals.
🧵Here’s why this is so important. https://t.co/1MKgz3OgO6#SBTiFLAG— Science Based Targets initiative (@sciencetargets) September 28, 2022
