Net Zero Lab contributes to New Report on Article 6

As the EU Commission and member governments explore Article 6 mechanisms, the stakes couldn't be higher for global climate integrity. With global emissions still rising and NDCs falling critically short, we're at a crossroads. The newly released Oxford Principles for Responsible Engagement with Article 6 couldn't come at a more critical time—and we're proud that Net Zero Lab contributed to this piece.

Article 6 could serve as a powerful tool to mobilize much-needed climate finance, enable countries to enhance their NDCs, and help bridge critical gaps in technology access for the Global South. But without robust safeguards, we risk creating "paper credits" that exist only on spreadsheets while real-world emissions continue unabated. This could actually undermine the Paris Agreement's goals, lock in high-emission pathways, and delay the deep decarbonization we desperately need

The Oxford Framework outlines three critical principles:

Paris-Aligned Use: Countries and entities must use Article 6 to enhance ambition beyond science-aligned domestic targets—not as a substitute for necessary action at home. This means avoiding "mitigation deterrence" where offsetting undermines own emission reductions.

High-Quality Outcomes: Ensuring additionality, robust quantification, addressing reversals, and preventing double counting. Plus mandatory contributions to global mitigation and adaptation financing.

Transparent Accounting: Robust national inventories, economy-wide NDC coverage, and transparent reporting on all transactions.

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