The science of effective climate action

Abstract

To limit global temperature increase to 2˚C, as formulated in the Paris Agreement, state and non-state actors will have to increase their efforts. As there remains an emissions gap between currently pledged NDCs and the Paris trajectory, many have looked at the potential of non-state actors to bridge this gap. Transnational climate change governance initiatives have substantial potential in steering the behaviour of targeted actors towards ambitious climate action, but it is less well-known how- and in what ways they are effective. This study aims to shed light on how TCCG initiatives can promote more effective climate governance by evaluating how the Science Based Targets Initiative impacts climate actions of companies. It concludes that the effects of SBTi are particularly evident in terms of the increased level of ambition in emission reductions targets and its ability to build capacity and normalise decarbonization.