EMS Net Zero Pledge

The General Assembly in September 2024 decided that the EMS makes a pledge to become Net Zero by 2040,

– with intermediatory targets of 33% reduction by 2030 and 66% reduction by 2035, relative to the baseline year of 2023.
This milestone initiative reflects EMS’s leadership in driving climate action within the meteorological community and its determination to align organizational practices with the principles of environmental stewardship.

A Commitment to Climate Responsibility: As an organization dedicated to understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change, EMS recognizes the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all aspects of its operations. By committing to a Net Zero target, EMS sets a clear example of how professional societies can contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change. The Net Zero by 2040 Pledge includes specific goals to:

  • Measure and reduce emissions from EMS activities, including meetings, events, and operations.
  • Promote sustainable practices within the EMS network and among its Members.
  • Advocate for a broader adoption of climate-conscious practices across the meteorological and scientific communities.

Actions Underway: To achieve its Net Zero target, EMS has initiated a comprehensive plan focusing on measurable and impactful actions. The key areas of focus include reducing event-related Emissions, engaging the EMS Community, progress tracking and accountability and embedding sustainability into its core values and strategic plan. Offsetting Carbon Footprint is only seen as the last step in the process when the majority of emissions are already reduced/avoided.

The Broader Context: Leading by Example: The EMS Net Zero Pledge is part of a growing movement within the scientific and professional community to align organizational values with global climate goals, particularly the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. By committing to Net Zero, EMS not only reduces its own impact but also sets a precedent for other organizations to follow.

As a professional society with a significant platform, EMS is uniquely positioned to inspire its members and partners to adopt sustainable practices. By embedding sustainability into its operations, EMS strengthens its credibility as an advocate for climate action and demonstrates that transformative change is achievable.

Net Zero Transition Plan

The Net Zero Transition Plan aims to guide the EMS on its net zero journey, setting out how it will reduce emissions and reach net zero by 2040. ​The EMS’s net zero journey is the reflection of its vision and mission, and the voices of its Member Societies. The EMS will aim to draw on the knowledge from across the community and support from the community in reaching net zero.

  • Transition to Renewable Energy [2040]: The EMS will aim to source 100% renewable energy for its operations, including office, home working and events, where possible. Venues that can offer 100% renewable energy should be prioritised. The aim would be to transition to renewable energy by 2040.
  • Energy, Waste and Water Efficiency Measures [2030]: The EMS will collate information to introduce energy, waste and water efficiency measures. This information will be shared with its members to promote a culture of energy and water conservation and waste management. The aim would be to collate this information before EMS2025 and share widely at the event.
  • Sustainable Meetings Policy [2024]: The EMS already has a Sustainable Meetings Policy – this should be reviewed every two years and updated accordingly.
  • Sustainable Transport Policy [2025]: In addition to EMS’s Sustainable Meetings Policy, the EMS should encourage the use of sustainable transportation options for travel, share sustainable hotel options and publicise remote access opportunities. As such, the EMS will only reimburse flights for those on an EMS mission and awardees if the train travel times to the same location would be 24 hours or more. It will be mandatory to collect emission statements for travel of staff and all on EMS mission, including also for all participants of the Council sessions and the General Assembly. The EMS should choose to optionally report emission data for conference participants alongside the information that encourages more sustainable transport options.
  • Sustainable Publishing Policy [2040]: The EMS will work with its publishers to develop net zero strategies for its publishing activities. Elsevier has a net zero target of 2040.
  • Green Procurement Policy [2030]: The EMS will implement a green procurement policy that prioritizes suppliers and vendors with strong environmental and ethical practices. This includes selecting products and services with lower emissions, sustainable sources and that adhere to environmental certifications. The EMS already prioritises the list suppliers and their associated costs and has focused conversations with those suppliers with the highest emissions, namely Copernicus. The EMS will continue to work with suppliers to achieve a 2040 net zero target. The Green Procurement Policy will be in place by 2030 although the net zero target relating to this activity will be 2040.
  • Circular Economy Practices [2030]: The EMS will adopt circular economy practices by prioritizing and promoting the c2c (Cradle to Cradle), recycling and reuse of materials and minimizing waste generation.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration [2025]: Collaborate with stakeholders, including EMS Members, scientific organizations, government agencies, and private sector partners, to share knowledge, best practices, resources, and foster a collective commitment to climate action. The EMS might aim to foster a culture of sustainability among EMS Members through education and engagement activities and promoting research and development initiatives that contribute to climate solutions and advance the understanding of climate-related issues.
  • Financial Commitment to Net Zero: In collaboration with Treasurer, the EMS will develop a net zero budget item to be included as part of financial planning. This could include estimates of resource and expertise to collate data, for changes and improvements required, for training and knowledge sharing, and for any carbon offsetting required.
  • Communication Plan [2024]: The pledge will be announced at EMS2024 and other EMS communication channels. The EMS will develop a long-term communication plan that publicises its net zero pledge and related activities to clearly demonstrate its commitment. The communication plan will include ways to share knowledge, best practice and promote research across Europe, providing EMS Members with an opportunity to work together on a common goal. The EMS may wish to advocate on climate change and engage with experts and collaborate with other from across the community in raising awareness and being an authoritative voice about climate science providing clear messages that are impactful, effective and evidence-based.
  • Offsetting Policy [2030]: While efforts to reduce emissions are essential and should be the main course of action, the EMS will also consider the role that offsetting will have on reaching its net zero goals. Factors that will be considered are the cost of offsetting to the EMS and finding credible and verifiable carbon offset projects.
  • Embed into EMS Strategy [2025]: The EMS will integrate the net-zero pledge into its overarching strategy and ensure that sustainability becomes a core principle in decision-making processes, governance structures, and long-term planning. Delivery of this Net Zero Transition Plan depends on effective and transparent governance. Sustainability needs to be embedded across the EMS and must become the lens for decision-making to ensure we can move forwards as a sustainable organisation. The EMS has a well-established governance structure that consists of Council, the General Assembly and Committees.

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