The Global Net-Zero Landscape: Why the UK Is Not Alone

Despite claims from some UK politicians that the country's net-zero target is unilateral, the reality is that the vast majority of the world's nations have set such goals. Here we answer key questions about global net-zero commitments and where the US and Iran stand.

How many countries have net-zero targets?

As of May 2026, data from the Net Zero Tracker shows that 140 out of 198 countries—fully 71%—have adopted some form of net-zero emissions goal. These targets range from legally binding laws to official policy documents, pledges, or proposals. In terms of global emissions, approximately 74% of total CO₂ output is now covered by a national net-zero commitment. The UK was the first major economy to set such a target in 2019, and since then, China (2020), India, Saudi Arabia, and Russia (all 2021) have followed. This widespread adoption contradicts claims that the UK is acting alone; in fact, the vast majority of nations are moving in the same direction.

Which major emitters lack net-zero targets?

According to the Net Zero Tracker, only two of the world's top 20 carbon dioxide emitters lack any form of net-zero target: the United States and Iran. The US had a target under former President Joe Biden, but the current Trump administration abandoned it. Despite that, 18 US states and 43 cities still maintain net-zero commitments. Iran has never adopted a national net-zero goal. This leaves both countries as outliers among major emitters. If the UK were to scrap its net-zero target—as called for by some politicians—it would join this small group of nations that have not committed to long-term emissions neutrality.

Why does the UK have a net-zero target?

The UK became the first major economy to legally enshrine a net-zero target in 2019, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. This decision was based on scientific evidence from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which concluded that reaching net-zero CO₂ emissions is the only way to halt global warming. The target was designed to align with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C. Since then, the UK has been a leader in climate policy, though critics argue that other countries are not following. In reality, most major economies have since adopted similar goals, showing that the UK's action was a catalyst rather than an outlier.

What is the status of the US net-zero target?

The United States adopted a net-zero target under the Biden administration, aiming for economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050. However, President Donald Trump reversed this commitment upon taking office in 2025, removing the US from international climate agreements and discarding the national goal. As a result, the US is now one of only two major emitters without a net-zero target at the federal level. Nevertheless, many subnational actors remain committed: 18 states, 43 cities, and numerous businesses continue to pursue net-zero plans. This fragmented landscape means that while the federal government has stepped back, significant portions of the US economy still aim for emissions neutrality.

How many countries have legally binding net-zero targets?

According to the Net Zero Tracker, 34 nations have set their net-zero targets into law—the highest level of commitment. The UK is among this group, having passed the 2019 amendment to the Climate Change Act. Another 63 countries have stated their goal in a policy document, 16 have made a pledge, and 23 have a proposal. Only four nations claim to have already reached net-zero. This variety shows that net-zero commitments exist on a spectrum from aspirational to legally binding. Countries with legally binding targets are held accountable through domestic legislation, making it harder for future governments to abandon the goal.

What does the IPCC say about net-zero?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the world's foremost authority on climate science. In its latest assessment report, the IPCC stated unequivocally that to stop global warming, the world must reach net-zero CO₂ emissions. This means achieving a balance between the carbon released into the atmosphere and the carbon removed from it. The IPCC stressed that delaying action would require steeper, costlier emissions cuts later. The scientific consensus underpins the rationale for net-zero targets worldwide. Without such targets, the IPCC warns, limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C or even 2°C would become increasingly unattainable.

What are the risks of abandoning net-zero?

Abandoning net-zero targets carries significant risks, both environmental and economic. John Lang, lead of the Net Zero Tracker, notes that arguing against net-zero is arguing for greater exposure to geopolitical instability and energy price shocks. The current Iran crisis highlights the dangers of fossil fuel dependence: volatile oil markets and supply disruptions. Without net-zero efforts, countries remain locked into importing expensive fossil fuels, vulnerable to price spikes. Additionally, the UK would join the US and Iran as the only major emitters without targets, undermining its climate leadership and potentially harming its international reputation and ability to attract green investment. The UK's own net-zero transition, if abandoned, could also increase domestic energy costs in the long run.

What is the Net Zero Tracker?

The Net Zero Tracker is a consortium that monitors the net-zero commitments of nations, regions, cities, and companies worldwide. It provides data on the type of target (law, policy, pledge, proposal) and tracks progress. According to the tracker, 140 countries have adopted some form of net-zero goal, covering 74% of global emissions. The consortium's lead, John Lang, provided the quote that only the US and Iran lack targets among the top 20 emitters. The tracker is an essential resource for understanding global climate ambition and accountability. It shows that while not all targets are equally robust, the overall trend is toward net-zero, making the UK far from an outlier.