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
Policy & 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.
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
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: 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
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 understanding and integration of “serviced emissions” ... Read more
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
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