Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Chinese companies increase net-zero targets as US firms retreat
Asia is becoming a center for corporate climate pledges, even as net-zero commitments worldwide have stopped growing.
More Chinese companies are setting targets: 28% of tracked publicly listed firms in China had net-zero greenhouse gas targets in 2026, up from 24% in 2025.
Net zero means balancing greenhouse gas emissions with removals from the atmosphere.
The rise in China contrasts with some major US businesses retreating from earlier goals.
Many company targets lack detail, making it harder to understand what they involve.
The figures show a changing pattern in corporate climate commitments, but no next steps are specified.
The share of tracked publicly listed Chinese companies with net-zero greenhouse gas targets rose to 28% in 2026 from 24% a year earlier.
Asia is emerging as a center for corporate climate pledges, led by increased target-setting among Chinese companies.
Global net-zero commitments have plateaued.
Some major U.S. businesses have retreated from earlier net-zero goals.
The article says many targets lack details.
- Who
- Tracked publicly listed Chinese companies and some major U.S. businesses.
- What
- The share of tracked Chinese companies with net-zero greenhouse gas targets increased, while some U.S. businesses retreated from earlier goals.
- When
- In 2026, compared with a year earlier.
- Where
- China and the United States, as part of a broader trend across Asia.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
24% of tracked publicly listed Chinese companies had net-zero greenhouse gas targets.
The share had risen to 28%.
- Chinese companies with net-zero targets, 2026
- 28% of tracked publicly listed companies
- Chinese companies with net-zero targets, a year earlier
- 24% of tracked publicly listed companies
- Global corporate net-zero commitments
- Plateaued
- U.S. businesses
- Some major companies retreated from earlier goals