Net
Zero Carbon Events (NZCE), the event industry’s initiative to slash
its carbon emissions, has joined the Global Climate Action Portal as it
continues to ramp up pressure on signatories.
The Global
Climate Action Portal tracks the progress of commitments made by
‘states and non-state actors’ to encourage ‘transparency and ambition in global
climate action efforts’.
While the scheme is backed by the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it may not be enough to assuage NZCE
critics who question the scientific rigour behind the scheme’s reporting
procedure and the absence of a third-party verification process.
However, James Rees, president of the Joint
Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), said it was a significant move: "The
inclusion of Net Zero Carbon Events in the Global Climate Action Portal is a
major milestone, as it strengthens our relationship with the UNFCCC and, most
importantly, enhances the accountability of NZCE, now recognised as our
industry’s prime initiative to address climate change. By reporting our
progress through GCAP, we are ensuring greater transparency and showcasing the
collective achievements of our stakeholders."
Alexander Alles, executive director of JMIC, adds: “This
collaboration comes at a pivotal time, as NZCE approaches the completion of its
first annual reporting cycle, with a deadline of 31 December 2024. NZCE is
calling upon all signatories who joined the initiative by the end of 2023 to
fulfil their reporting obligations in accordance with the pledge they signed.
These reports will be essential in demonstrating the event industry’s progress
toward reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero targets.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
