Market Insight: What Actually Happens When Firms Miss Net Zero Targets

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Executive Summary

Over the past six months, numerous organizations have either rolled back or failed to meet crucial net zero targets, citing factors such as economic challenges and government inaction. Many other firms are likely to follow suit. What are the real consequences when businesses miss these commitments? This report delves into the impacts by analysing 20 firms that have recently fallen short of their targets, highlighting the key repercussions, ranging from reputational damage to potential legal ramifications. With corporate sentiment wavering on sustainability initiatives, net zero targets now stand at a pivotal crossroads: they can either drive meaningful progress towards emission reductions – or risk becoming hollow gestures. To address this, this report offers a framework for organizations to reset their net zero goals, marking a shift from mere PR-driven promises to true climate accountability.

Table of contents

Net zero targets have shifted from climate responsibility to corporate liability
Wishing hasn’t made net zero so
Verdantix analysis of 20 firms missing their targets reveals liabilities
Firms must recalibrate from net zero idealism to decarbonization realism
Five steps to redefining net zero targets

Table of figures

Figure 1. Analysis of 20 firms that have missed or walked back a net zero target

About the authors

Gus Brewer

Analyst
Gus is an Analyst in the Verdantix Net Zero & Climate Risk practice. Prior to joining Verdantix, Gus worked at Rio ESG, where he gained experience as a sustainability consultant, specializing in carbon accounting and environmental strategy. Gus holds a BA in Geography from the University of Exeter and a MSc in Carbon Management from the University of Edinburgh.

Ryan Skinner

Research Director, Net Zero & Climate Risk
Ryan is the Research Director for the Verdantix Net Zero & Climate Risk practice. He guides the research team to develop compelling research at the intersection of net zero strategies, carbon management, climate risk and technology. Prior to joining Verdantix, Ryan was a principal analyst at Forrester Research, where he initiated the research into ESG data and analytics offerings. He also has extensive experience of helping software companies with their messaging, positioning, market and technology strategies. Ryan studied at Duke University, the University of Manchester and the University of Oslo, and speaks Norwegian fluently.

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