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
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
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