The world has a goal to reach net zero emissions. Our platform, informed by leading climate researchers and hosted by the University of Oxford, brings together principles and policies, practical tools, and progress tracking to help businesses and policymakers achieve that goal.
Principles & Policies
PrACTICAL TOOLS
PROGRESS TRACKING
How to set a net zero target
As net zero targets are being set, questions arise about how current net zero targets align. We present criteria based on a summary of current practices, identifying areas of convergence and divergence.
tools for setting and achieving a net zero target
Browse our library of the most relevant tools helping institutions of all kinds set and achieve their net zero targets.
GLOBAL NET ZERO STOCKTAKE
For an understanding of progress to net zero, read the first systematic review of net zero commitments by countries, sub-national governments, and major corporations around the globe.
The world has a goal to reach net zero emissions.
Our platform brings together principles and policies, practical tools, and progress tracking to help achieve that goal.
PRINCIPLES & POLICIES
How to set a net zero target
As net zero targets are being set, questions arise about how current net zero targets align. We present criteria based on a summary of current practices, identifying areas of convergence and divergence.
Practical Tools
tools for setting and achieving a net zero target
Browse our library of the most relevant tools helping institutions of all kinds set and achieve their net zero targets.
PROGRESS TRACKING
Global Net Zero Stocktake
For an understanding of progress to net zero, read the first systematic review of net zero commitments by countries, sub-national governments, and major corporations around the globe.
WHAT IS NET ZERO?
Net zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere.
The term net zero is important because – for CO2 at least – this is the state at which global warming stops.
The Urgency of zero
All emissions, including those from the most difficult sectors (e.g. food, agriculture, aviation and mining), must be tackled urgently to effectively combat climate change.
Carbon dioxide removal
The active removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies is, alongside significant emissions reductions, central to achieving net zero by 2050 and limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-Industrial levels.
CARBON OFFSETTING
Carbon offsetting is a widespread tool in efforts to achieve net zero emissions. But what types of offsets are aligned with pathways to net zero and under what conditions should they be used?
NET ZERO & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Reaching a durable net zero will require global transitions that are both sustainable and equitable. Net zero plans need to be aligned with complementary sustainability objectives and enforced using rigorous quality standards, centring fairness and prosperity.
TRACKING OF NET ZERO COMMITMENTS
Oxford Net Zero is part of a pioneering team surveying significant entities to track net zero targets globally, aiming to increase transparency and accountability of net zero targets pledged by nations, states and regions, cities and companies.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NET ZERO
REACHING NET ZERO: OUR COURSE FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS
Oxford Net Zero and the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment’s new online course provides a comprehensive overview of net zero, including its challenges, while exploring how public servants can promote the transition to net zero.
GLOBAL YOUTH CLIMATE TRAINING
A collaboration between Oxford Net Zero and the Global Youth Coalition, giving youth the knowledge and tools to engage in the UNFCCC system. This programme is closed to applicants, but previous sessions can be watched online.
WHAT IS NET ZERO?
Net zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere. But there’s more to it than that: explore related terms, key issues and challenges relating to net zero and how we can get it right.
Events
Oxford Net Zero at COP28
Event date: December 2, 2023
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) is being held in the UAE from 30 November – 12 December. The Oxford Net Zero community is mobilising its collective expertise to help drive ambition. Our dedicated ... Read more
Seminar: Net-Zero: Policies and Politics
Event date: February 14, 2024
Net Zero pledges by countries, cities and organizations are now omnipresent. How can these commitments be operationalised in a credible, fair and effective manner? At this event hosted by Kellogg College, we will take a closer look at the ... Read more
Webinar: Designing net zero governance: The moment for multilateral governance and national regulation
Event date: October 4, 2023
Wed, 4 Oct 2023 14:00 - 15:30 BST, Weston Library Lecture Theatre, Oxford, UK and online Designing net zero governance: The moment for multilateral governance and national regulation Sign up on Eventbrite. National net zero commitments ... Read more
Webinar: Learning across global regions: Comparing climate marketcraft in developing countries
Event date: September 20, 2023
Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:00 - 15:30 BST, Learning across global regions: Comparing climate marketcraft in developing countries Sign up on Eventbrite. Local climate action benefits from learning across national cases, as there are valuable ... Read more
Webinar: Net zero for influenced emissions: The role of global professional service providers
Event date: September 13, 2023
Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:00 - 15:30 BST, Weston Library Lecture Theatre, Oxford, UK and online Net zero for influenced emissions: The role of global professional service providers Sign up on Eventbrite. Professional service providers, such ... Read more
Webinar: Net zero and zero deforestation: Assessing the potential impacts of the EU deforestation regulation in Brazil
Event date: September 6, 2023
Wed, 6 Sep 2023 14:00 - 15:30 BST, Weston Library Lecture Theatre, Oxford, UK and online Net zero and zero deforestation: Assessing the potential impacts of the EU deforestation regulation in Brazil Sign up on Eventbrite. ABOUT THIS ... Read more
Latest news
Oxford Net Zero at COP28
The Oxford Net Zero community is mobilising its collective expertise to help drive ambition at COP28, being held in the UAE from 30 November – 12 December. Read more
ONZ is hiring: join us as a Research Assistant to remap the net zero voluntary initiatives landscape
Oxford Net Zero has an exciting opportunity for two Research Assistants to join the team from January 2024 to support our net zero standards re-mapping project. Joining ONZ's Engagement Team, the Research Assistants will work alongside Kaya ... Read more
Net Zero Regulation Stocktake
What does the road to regulation look like, and how will we get there? Regulations related to the transition to net zero are already in place in a number of jurisdictions and are recommended by the United Nations to accelerate the transition to ... Read more
Oxford Net Zero launches autumn webinar series
Join us this autumn for a series of webinars led by Oxford Net Zero fellows! Read more
Professor Myles Allen appointed Fellow of the Royal Society
Professor Myles Allen appointed Fellow of the Royal Society Read more
Oxford Net Zero is Hiring – Join as Fossil Fuel Fellow
Oxford Net Zero has an exciting opening for a Research Fellow on Net Zero for the Fossil Fuel Sector and non-stipendiary Research Fellowship at Kellogg College. We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow on Net Zero for the Fossil Fuel Sector ... Read more
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