The Diplomat
Spain’s large listed companies are at the top of the list, along with the UK, in the commitment to achieve zero emissions by 2050, with 37% having adopted targets in this regard, according to a study published by Accenture in the run-up to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to be held from Monday in Glasgow (United Kingdom).
These two countries are followed at some distance by Germany (27%), Italy (23%) and France (18%), reports Europa Press.
Overall, almost a third of Europe’s largest listed companies have set themselves the target of reaching zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
These companies in turn account for more than two-thirds of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The study, entitled ‘Achieving net zero emissions by 2025’, analysed data from more than 1,000 listed companies and concluded that setting such a target helps to reduce emissions.
In fact, companies that have set a target to reach zero emissions have on average reduced their emissions by 10% in the last decade, while those that have not committed to such a target have increased their emissions.
When setting the target, carbon use by sector also plays a role, with many service companies aiming to reach climate neutrality by 2035, while sectors such as chemicals have set a target of 2050.
By country, Spanish companies could achieve zero emissions on average by 2042, one year earlier than their European counterparts.
The report stresses the need to increase the pace of emission reductions, since, if the current pace is maintained, only 5% of companies would reach zero emissions in their operations in the target year and 9% in 2050.
