The forest, land and agriculture sector is one of the industries at highest risk from the impact of climate change, but it is also a significant source of emissions. It represents nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) - the largest emitting sector after energy. To keep 1.5°C within reach, tackle food crisis risks and enable the transformation to a global net-zero future, cutting land-related emissions is paramount.
Many companies with land-intensive operations have committed or set targets through the SBTi. Many are also reporting their GHG emissions publicly. However, few account for land-based emissions or removals in their targets or disclosures. A key barrier has been the lack of available guidance and methods.
The SBTi’s FLAG Guidance provides the world’s first standard method for companies in land-intensive sectors to set science-based targets that include land-based emission reductions and removals. It enables companies to reduce the 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry and other land use.