IWCA joins Race to Zero Campaign

International Wineries for Climate Action has joined the Race to Zero initiative, a global campaign backed by the United Nations to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities and investors for a resilient, zero-carbon recovery.

Race to Zero aims to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonised economy ahead of COP26 in November, where governments will be asked to strengthen their contributions to the Paris Agreement.

All Race to Zero members are committed to the same overarching goal: halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050, at the very latest.

IWCA is the first Race to Zero member representing the wine and agricultural industry. It will publish an annual report showing progress on its member wineries’ GHG emissions status and goals, which is required by Race to Zero.

To date, the campaign has mobilised a coalition of entities with net-zero initiatives that represent more than 12% of the global economy, including 471 cities, 1,675 companies, 569 universities, and 85 investors.

“While the wine industry is responsible for few emissions, it is one of the agricultural activities most affected by global climate change,” said Nigel Topping, UK high level climate champion for COP26.

“We are delighted to welcome International Wineries for Climate Action into the Race to Zero, and applaud its ambition to become climate positive by 2050.”

Founded in 2019 by Spain’s Familia Torres and California’s Jackson Family Wines, IWCA is a collaborative group addressing climate change through innovative carbon-reduction strategies.

IWCA’s objective for all members is to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and to become climate positive by 2050.

Among its 10 members are Chile’s VSPT Wine Group, New Zealand’s Yealands, Douro-based Symington Family Estates, and Australia’s Cullen Wines.

“We are proud to be pioneers in the viticultural and agricultural sectors, adhering to this titanic commitment. We hope to be an example for the industry and for the private sector in general,” said Bárbara Wolff, VSPT’s chief of corporate affairs and innovation.

“We believe that, through this partnership, we can collaborate and find the solutions and tools to decarbonise our industry, and to be an agent of positive change in this challenge which requires us all to unite,” she added.

By joining the Race to Zero, IWCA will become a champion within the wine industry to build momentum and support for immediate solutions that help move wine producers and vineyard owners closer to becoming climate positive.