TotalEnergies says it can’t formulate net zero targets as 1.5°C is “out of reach”

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🗞️ Driving the news: TotalEnergies says it cannot set net-zero targets aligned with European reporting standards because the 1.5°C global warming limit is now “out of reach,” according to statements in the company’s 2026 Sustainability & Climate Report

🔭 The context: European sustainability regulations require companies’ transition plans to align with a 1.5°C pathway under the Paris Agreement
• TotalEnergies argues that current scientific consensus suggests this target is no longer achievable globally, meaning the company cannot formally adopt a transition plan compliant with the EU’s requirement

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The announcement reflects growing tension between corporate climate commitments and the real-world pace of decarbonization
• As one of the world’s largest energy companies, TotalEnergies’ stance could influence how other fossil fuel producers interpret climate targets and shape debates around the feasibility of the 1.5°C goal

⏭️ What’s next: TotalEnergies says it will maintain its existing targets, including carbon neutrality for its operational emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2050 and continued reductions in the carbon intensity of its energy products
• However, the company plans to revise the wording of its climate ambition to reflect dependencies on policy, technology, and consumer behavior

💬 One quote: “We cannot adopt a net zero transition plan according to European regulations, because such a plan… has to be aligned with 1.5 degrees. And scientists say that 1.5 degrees is out of reach,” -  Aurélien Hamelle, TotalEnergies’ President for Strategy and Sustainability

📈 One stat: TotalEnergies reports it has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 28% since 2015

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