Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels to heat our homes and run our cars, release greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Since the Industrial Revolution when humans began to burn fossil fuels, we’ve seen a rapid rise in average global temperatures. This is resulting in long-term changes to the climate, and serious impacts for nature and people.  

At The Wildlife Trusts, we are working towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 – as set out in our Climate Change Position Statement. Each year, we produce a greenhouse gas inventory to report on emissions as part of our climate change mitigation work. Producing the inventory involves estimating emissions across our operations and conservation grazing activities. Our operational emissions cover a range of activities, from running our visitor centres and offices, to staff travel. We’ve been reporting on our emissions since 2019 and have recently published our latest inventory report for 2023-2024. Measuring our emissions is critical – what we can’t measure, we can’t see and act upon. 

What do we mean by net zero? 

Net zero emissions are achieved when there is a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases released from human activities and those removed from the atmosphere. In the context of a company or organisation, net zero means reducing emissions as far as absolutely possible before balancing the rest with removals.

Removals or carbon credits alone, without very ambitious reductions in emissions, cannot be relied upon to reach net zero.  

What is a net zero pathway? 

A net zero pathway is essentially a plan setting out how an organisation will reach net zero. The principle is the same as the UK having its own net zero pathway. The key components are: 

• Report and plot - Report on emissions each year and plot this over time. 

• Net zero target - Set target totals for each sector or emissions category, and identify a year to achieve net zero by.  

• Actions - Identify actions needed to reach the target. 

• Review - Update the pathway regularly to ensure the targets and actions are the most suitable and aligned with the latest advice and technology.  

Net zero pathways are needed to make action happen. A pathway helps to identify and prioritise options to reduce emissions, as well as understand the barriers and opportunities for change. It brings climate change to the forefront of how companies and organisations operate, so positive decisions can be made to lower their impact.  

At The Wildlife Trusts we have had carbon reduction strategies for some time, but now we are starting to put together net zero pathways.

Removing reliance on fossil fuels is a priority for us, so fuel use for our buildings, fleet and equipment is a key focus.

We are also looking at our wider operations to reduce our emissions. Some examples of actions from across The Wildlife Trusts in 2023-24 included: 

• Improving the energy efficiency of buildings – for example, switching to LED lighting and improving building insultation. 

• Actions to decarbonise our vehicle fleet and equipment – for example, using electric vehicles and battery-powered tools. 

• Supporting sustainable travel choices for staff – for example, providing bike facilities and the cycle to work scheme.  

Read more about the actions taking place, as well as the challenges we are experiencing in our net zero journey, in our 2023-24 Greenhouse Gas Inventory. 

Our mitigation work happens alongside our work on climate change adaptation, which includes taking action to protect and prepare for the impacts of climate change, for both nature and people. You can read more about this work in our most recent adaptation report, Embracing Nature. 

What you can do 

If you work, check if your company or organisation has a net zero pathway. If not, see what you can do to start a conversation around setting one up!  

We can all take personal steps to reduce our emissions. Whether it’s reducing petrol/diesel car usage by walking or taking public transport, or reducing energy use by not using a tumble dryer, every effort to reduce your impact is worthwhile. As individuals, we can set our own goals and work towards net zero ourselves too. Take a look at our three-step process to help you get to net zero.