International net zero policy

Net Zero as an Already Agreed upon International Target 

 

The international goal to achieve net zero has already been established in the Paris Agreement. The ‘bottom-up’ architecture of the agreement, means that the implementation of this goal is left to each nation. Nations are to hold each other accountable by taking stock of each other’s actions. They are also tasked to raise their ambition towards full decarbonization every five years. The first scheduled stock-take of climate action and ratchet-up of climate ambition is due in November 2020 as part of COP26 Glasgow. The Paris Agreement also considers non-state actors, such as international coalitions of cities, regions and businesses, in the international process.

The most critical role of the international processes is to provide useful platforms to enhance ambition and share best practices on how to achieve the net zero goal. At the latest UN climate conference (COP25), a “Climate Ambition Alliance” identified actors “working towards” net zero. This alliance is the broadest base of actors and includes 120 countries (including the EU member states), 400 cities, 800 businesses, and 15 states and regions.

Although implementation of the Paris Agreement is left to each state, further international-global discussion is relevant. Discussion is needed to reach agreement on core issues such as emissions accounting and greenhouse gas removal strategies.

The most critical role of the international processes is to provide useful platforms to enhance ambition and share best practices on how to achieve the net zero goal.

Business for Net Zero

This page provides resources for businesses seeking to develop their own net zero business plans and to contribute to the wider effort to mitigate the climate crisis by identifying the solutions, risks and opportunities for achieving net zero in each sector.

Oxford Net Zero launches autumn webinar series
Oxford Net Zero launches autumn webinar series

Join us this autumn for a series of webinars led by Oxford Net Zero fellows! Read more

Professor Myles Allen appointed Fellow of the Royal Society
Professor Myles Allen appointed Fellow of the Royal Society

Professor Myles Allen appointed Fellow of the Royal Society Read more

Oxford Net Zero is Hiring – Join as Fossil Fuel Fellow
Oxford Net Zero is Hiring – Join as Fossil Fuel Fellow

Oxford Net Zero has an exciting opening for a Research Fellow on Net Zero for the Fossil Fuel Sector and non-stipendiary Research Fellowship at Kellogg College. We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow on Net Zero for the Fossil Fuel Sector ... Read more

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