Net ZERO Policy
Net Zero: An international policy target
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s special report Global Warming of 1.5ºC provided evidence on the requirement that we meet a global net zero target by the middle of the century, providing a deadline for policy targets. And in 2015, a global target to reach net zero emissions was set with governments around the world taking up the policy goal by ratifying the Paris Agreement.
Remarkably, a new report from the think tank ECIU shows that 49 percent of global GDP is already covered by cities, states, and provinces, and countries that either have net zero targets or are working toward them. This surge of net zero targets shows strong ambition but a gap remains between ambition and action, and often this is due to a gap in information about what a net zero aligned policy entails. On this site we offer resources for assessing whether policy initiatives are aligned with the global goal to reduce temperature outcomes and bring visibility to trends and challenges in current net zero policy.
As a start for policy makers see the minimum criteria for net zero policy and how to join the UNFCCC Race to Zero.
Net zero at a global scale requires that all emissions of greenhouse gases should be balanced by their removal from the atmosphere.
Policies by sector
Find out more about how key policies are driving progress to net zero in each sector.
Net Zero APPG
Read the Net Zero APPG’s 10pt Net Zero Action Plan.
National policies
Find out how national politics can accelerate the transition to net zero.
Local policies
Find out what policies enacted on the local level have the most impact towards net zero goals.
News and Events
Oxford Net Zero: The story so far
Oxford Net Zero is excited to share a new summary of its work. Oxford Net Zero: The story so far gives a representative look at our work over the life of the programme since its inception, organised around three key areas: An integrated ... Read more
UK Government Voluntary Carbon and Nature Markets policy consolidates action on nature and climate, but risks compromising urgent mitigation of climate change and preventing and repairing nature loss, say ONZ researchers
Oxford, 23 June 2025 Researchers from the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, Oxford Net Zero and Oxford Sustainable Finance Group have submitted feedback to the UK Government’s ‘Voluntary Carbon and Nature Markets: Raising Integrity’ ... Read more
Job opening: Serviced Emissions Research & Engagement Manager (now closed)
Please note that this opportunity is now closed. The Oxford Net Zero Engagement Team is recruiting for a Serviced Emissions Research & Engagement Manager. This pivotal role will lead a high-impact initiative focused on advancing the ... Read more
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