SBTi seeks feedback to shape FLAG Standard V2

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🗞️ Driving the news: The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched a call for evidence to shape the next version of its Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) Standard, seeking input from companies on how existing land-sector climate targets are being implemented
• The revision process for FLAG Standard V2 is expected to take more than 12 months and will help determine how companies address emissions from agriculture, forestry and land use in future net-zero strategies

🔭 The context: FLAG is becoming increasingly important for companies with agricultural supply chains, as land-related emissions remain a major challenge for sectors including food, consumer goods, retail and agriculture
• SBTi identifies FLAG as the third-largest source of global emissions, after energy and industry. More than 400 companies have already set FLAG targets under the existing framework
• The review follows the release of SBTi’s updated Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2, which introduced new approaches including five-year target reviews, an absolute contraction pathway and a best-efforts framework for companies pursuing climate targets

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Agriculture and land use are central to both climate mitigation and adaptation
• Protecting forests, improving farming practices and reducing land-use emissions are essential to achieving global climate goals

⏭️ What’s next: SBTi aims to collect stakeholder input through virtual meetings and a formal evidence submission process
• Expressions of interest for stakeholder meetings close on September 8, while the call for evidence closes on October 8

💬 One quote: “The FLAG sector has a key role in addressing the climate crisis.” — David Kennedy, CEO, Science Based Targets initiative

📈 One stat: More than 400 companies have already established FLAG targets under the current framework

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