“What the Expert Group offers here is a roadmap to prevent net zero from being undermined by false claims, ambiguity and “greenwash”. We have built on the existing science and best-in-class voluntary efforts to create a universal definition of net zero, based on five principles and ten recommendations to guide the future of net zero, and focused on the actions that need to be taken by cities, states, corporations and those who regulate them.

The risk is clear. If greenwash premised upon low-quality net zero pledges is not addressed, it will undermine the efforts of genuine leaders, creating both confusion, cynicism and a failure to deliver urgent climate action. Which is why, ultimately, regulations will be required to establish a level playing field and ensure that ambition is always matched by action.

This report sets out five principles - the bright stars that should guide the setting and attaining of net zero targets. Plans must be ambitious, have integrity and transparency, be credible and fair. The ten recommendations go into more detail about what non-state actors need to consider through each stage of their progress towards being net zero aligned and what the successful attainment of that status can and must contribute to the global effort to address the climate crisis.” (p.12)