Around the world, governments are beginning to take steps to reduce public sector emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. Governments have a unique role to play in decarbonisation efforts.

This briefing note sets out three key dimensions of government leadership on net-zero.

1. Ambition: a leading net zero program has a challenging timeline and scale of action. It includes scope 3 emissions alongside scope 1 and 2 emissions.
2. Innovation: leadership requires true change to internal systems, eg. internal carbon pricing.
3. Honesty: leadership means clear and consistent reporting on aspects such as progress against clear emissions benchmarks, but also setbacks or unexpected difficulties.