EMS makes a pledge to become Net Zero by 2040

Climate change poses a significant threat to our planet, and organizations must play a vital role in mitigating its impact. The EMS, as a key player in the field of meteorology, has a unique responsibility to demonstrate environmental stewardship and leadership in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Pledge to become Net Zero by 2040

At the 26^th General Assembly, which met on 1^st September 2024, the representatives of EMS Member Societies agreed that the EMS should make a pledge to become Net Zero by 2040 with intermediatory targets of a 33% reduction by 2030 and 66% reduction by 2035, relative to the baseline year of 2023.

This ambitious target is well ahead of the Paris Agreement’s target of net zero emissions by 2050 and highlights the leadership role the EMS wants to take in tackling the climate crisis.

Transition Plan

The EMS has developed a Net Zero Transition Plan, which will form part of its strategic plan, and aims to guide the EMS on its net zero journey, setting out how it will reduce emissions. The EMS will aim to draw on the knowledge from across the community and support from the community in reaching net zero.

Reporting

The EMS will be transparent in reporting its emissions data and plans to publish this data in the EMS Annual Report.
It is worth noting that the EMS first adopted a Sustainable Meetings Policy in 2015, which it covers mobility, venue and accommodation, organization and arrangement of services, catering, and communication. The full details can be found at https://www.emetsoc.org/events/ems-annual-meetings/future-venues/ems-sustainable-meetings-policy/. For the EMS2023, a report was compiled on how the implementation actually meets the requirements set out in the Sustainable Meetings Policy. This year’s conference, EMS2024, focuses on The role of weather and climate research in the achievement of a climate-neutral Europe and announcing this Pledge to Net Zero at this 25^th anniversary event highlights the EMS’s own commitment to this cause.

Working together

The EMS recognizes that net zero is a common goal of all EMS Members and opportunity to work together on a common goal. The EMS can also benefit from knowledge across the community of science-based evidence and the opportunity to promote research across Europe.