Cities on a net-zero emissions journey are required to navigate the complexities of negative emissions and residual emissions planning and accounting. This Summary for Decision Makers, accompanying the JRC Technical Report "Guidance on negative emissions for cities", provides city decision-makers and practitioners with a concise and accessible roadmap for developing robust and high-integrity residual emissions strategies. It outlines key decision-making points, step-by-step operational approaches, and best practices for cities to advance negative emissions, leveraging carbon removal opportunities and avoiding common pitfalls. The guide highlights the different roles cities can play and the key steps and requirements for residual emissions planning, from defining residual emissions to structuring governance, policy, and funding. By following this guide, cities can develop time- and cost-effective residual emissions strategies, deliver a climate-neutral future, and maximise co-benefits.

GEVERS DEYNOOT Christiaan;  ULPIANI Giulia;  VETTERS Nadja;  BARBERI Matteo; 

2026-06-08

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC146130

978-92-68-39458-8 (online),    978-92-68-39459-5 (print),   

OP KJ-01-26-185-EN-N (online),    OP KJ-01-26-185-EN-C (print),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC146130,   

10.2760/4262978 (online),    10.2760/9011256 (print),