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.
Policies
NET ZERO NEWS & RESEARCH
PROGRESS TRACKING
Policies & criteria for net zero
78% of global GDP is covered by some form of net zero target. We work to ensure that these targets drive meaningful action that aligns with global temperature goals.
Latest work from Oxford Net Zero
Browse our most recent news, research and evidence-informed insights.
Taking stock of net zero action
Through collaborations across the University of Oxford, we contribute to progress tracking of progress 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 AND POLICIES
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.
ONLINE COURSE FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS
Our 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, and the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, the GYCT gives youth the knowledge and tools to engage in the UNFCCC system. This programme is currently closed to applicants, but previous sessions can be watched online.
Events
Panel discussion – Carbon removals: gaining traction or elusive pipedream?
Event date: September 24, 2024
Professor Myles Allen will join Julie Kitcher of Airbus and Ann-Sofie Hörlin of Scandinavian Airlines to discuss the role of carbon dioxide removal in the future of the aviation industry and the transition to Geological Net Zero at the IATA ... Read more
Webinar: Assessing alignment and gaps in the voluntary net zero standards landscape
Event date: June 19, 2024
June 19th, 11am-12pm BST. In this webinar, researchers from Oxford Net Zero explore the latest recommendations in the net-zero voluntary standards and guidance landscape. Join us to learn what the key areas of alignment are and where gaps ... Read more
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
Workshop: Understanding the European Union: The Policy and Legislative Process and NGO Intervention Points
Event date: May 29, 2024
With the EU elections on the horizon, this workshop will unveil the real-world mechanics of EU legislation, presenting how the EU legislative process works in practice, breaking free from what the books teach and delving into how civil society ... 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
Towards a durable net zero: Safeguarding stability and energy security for future generations
Event date: December 8, 2023
Friday 8 December, 10:00 - 11:30, Ukraine Pavilion, Blue Zone Download brochure. Add to Google calendar. The urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5°C is more evident than ever. In the context of a rapidly evolving geostrategic and ... Read more
Latest news
Oxford Net Zero launches new Serviced Emissions Hub to drive accountability in professional services
By Siddharth Shekhar Yadav, Alexis McGivern and Clarissa Salmon. In mid-October, Oxford Net Zero officially launched the Serviced Emissions Hub – a new cross-sector platform bringing together leaders from law, consulting and ... Read more
Oxford Net Zero and VietJet announce Net Zero Aviation project
Last week the University of Oxford signed major agreements with Vietnam on climate innovation, healthcare and access to higher education. At the ceremony, Professor Myles Allen of Oxford Net Zero and Madame Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Founder ... Read more
Oxford Net Zero and Futerra launch new “Spheres of Influence” white paper at Climate Week NYC
Yesterday at Climate Week NYC, Oxford Net Zero and the sustainability agency Futerra launched a white paper on the Spheres of Influence – a new framework for incentivising corporate climate action. The framework provides a way to understand ... Read more
Net Zero Stocktake 2025: Global net zero commitments rise, even as U.S. federal government retreats
Today at Climate Week NYC, the Net Zero Tracker publishes the Net Zero Stocktake 2025, its latest iteration of an annual assessment that reviews both the quantity and quality of net-zero commitments. This year's Stocktake finds that despite ... Read more
Job opening: Oxford Net Zero Programme Administrator (now closed)
Please note that this opportunity is now closed. Oxford Net Zero is looking for a Programme Administrator to join its team at the School of Geography and the Environment. The postholder will play a key role in the day-to-day running of ... Read more
Job opening: Corporate Policy Engagement Manager (now closed)
Please note: this opportunity is now closed. The Oxford Net Zero Engagement Team is recruiting for a Corporate Policy Engagement Manager to drive its work on Corporate Policy Responsibility (CPR). In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the ... Read more
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