Net Zero 101 Media Training

What is carbon neutrality? What is net zero? These two terms are interchangeably used, often in the same sentence. While both reflect the same intent for organisations to eliminate or reduce their impact on the climate , carbon neutrality and net zero are different in terms of definition, approach, and impact. This lecture will help journalists understand net zero and how to report on it accurately and confidently.

The transition to a net zero economy requires significant financial investment and innovative strategies. A report published last year showed that a global investment of US$2.7 trillion a year is needed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and avoid the catastrophic consequences of temperature rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius. How can businesses in the Philippines unlock capital for a net zero transition? What strategies must be employed to make progress in this journey? Experts from the finance, policy, and sustainability sectors will help to touch upon these complex issues and identify the best solutions.

Last year’s COP28 closed with an agreement that, many say, marks the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era. With the world’s first ‘global stocktake’ unveiled, negotiators from nearly 200 countries agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems.

Making this a reality will, however, require countries to drastically cut emissions and make sure that the green initiatives receive the necessary funding to scale – especially in ensuring a just and equitable transition to clean energy.  

How can the media make sense of high-level climate policy negotiations taking place at COPs, and, more importantly, follow through with the reporting post-COP? What agreements, topics, and debates can be expected from this year’s COP29 that are most relevant to the Philippines’ net zero transition?

This session, which will feature seasoned journalists and climate negotiators, will guide media representatives covering stories at global climate negotiations to ensure that their work delivers impact at local and regional levels.

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The media plays a critical role in helping businesses and society navigate the various complexities in achieving a net zero global economy. Stories indeed help to shape narratives that inform and influence policy decision-making, which in turn impact businesses aiming to deliver on their net zero commitments.  

How can media better report on the intricacies and challenges surrounding a company’s net zero journey? What sectors should they focus on, and how can they immediately identify   greenwashing?  

With media largely relied upon to report on the legitimacy of net zero claims, they must know how to carefully question such claims and also constructively engage with businesses that are already taking action.  

This session will explore net zero in the news, and highlight examples of impactful coverage of net zero, for instance, the headlines and angles that work best, and the ones that fall short. This session will also guide media and communicators on the most effective way to pitching stories.

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Net zero action by non-state actors, including businesses, remains voluntary. Supportive policy and regulatory environments that provide a clear roadmap for businesses, however, will help to deliver a just and inclusive transition to a net zero economy. At the same time, non-state actors can also lobby for positive climate action and call for net zero-aligned national policies.  

This panel will aim to discuss the complexities in reporting on net zero-focused businesses and the various nuances that media must navigate.  

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The Net Zero Carbon Alliance is the Philippines’ largest organisation of businesses advancing the net zero transition. Learn about NZCA’s net zero framework and how your company can join and make a contribution.

The Philippines does not have a hard net zero target, which makes advancing progress a challenging task. How is NZCA championing private sector action on net zero? How is performance being measured, reported, and effectively scaled? This session will feature NZCA leaders and members on their important work in enabling an inclusive and just net zero transition for private sector actors in the Philippines.