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.Â
What is Net Zero?  Â
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.Â
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.Â
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
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.
Net zero regulation stocktake
A new report published by Oxford Net Zero presents a comprehensive ‘stocktake’ of developments in net-zero regulation across the G20 in 2023.
ONLINE COURSE FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS
Our 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.
Events
Net Zero Policy Network webinar: Mandatory transition plans
Event date: June 18, 2024
June 18th, 15:30 to 16:30 BST/16:30 to 17:30 CEST Hosted by the Net Zero Policy Network, this webinar will feature speakers from the Transition Plan Taskforce, companies writing and financing transition plans, and researchers studying the ... Read more
Launch of the Net-Zero Policy Network
Event date: April 9, 2024
Oxford Net Zero and Normative launch the Net-Zero Policy Network to catalyze clear, fair, and aligned climate policy and action. 9th of April, 2024 16:30 – 17:30 CEST / 15:30 – 16:30 BST Register here. The Net-Zero Policy Network will ... Read more
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
Latest news
New Oxford Report: Carbon Capture and Storage Without Taxpayer Billions Is Possible
Oxford Net Zero and Carbon Balance researchers reveal the risks of the current UK CCS policy mix and explore how a carbon storage mandate on fossil fuel producers could help the UK meet its climate targets while protecting public finances A ... Read more
Oxford Net Zero partners with AXA XL on research in India, Mexico and Kenya
Oxford Net Zero is excited to announce that it is working with the insurance company AXA XL, the Institute for Science, Innovation and Society (InSIS), and the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment to conduct research on private sector ... Read more
Finance, Fossil Fuels and $10 coffee: Reflections on COP29
As we begin a new year, Oxford Net Zero looks back on the highs and lows of November's climate summit in Baku. In some ways, this COP was different. The venue was smaller than in previous years, which meant that attendees could have genuine ... Read more
Oxford Net Zero announces affiliation with Reuben College
Oxford Net Zero is pleased to announce an affiliation with Reuben College. This new strategic partnership will allow us to collaborate more closely on environmental change, which we are both working to address as a core objective. Professor ... Read more
Using natural carbon sinks to offset emissions will not stop global warming, scientists say
As the COP29 negotiations continue, a new study published today in Nature demonstrates that protecting and maintaining natural carbon sinks, while vitally important, will not compensate for ongoing fossil fuel use. Natural carbon sinks such ... Read more
ONZ Fellows contribute to progress report for UN Secretary General
A new report, published today at COP29 in Baku and presented to the UN Secretary General, details the progress that non-state entities are making towards high-integrity net zero commitments. The report is a follow-up to the 2022 Integrity ... Read more
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