Balancing simplicity and complexity through corporate emissions benchmarking

Oct 23, 2025

Standardized quantitative emissions benchmarking is essential for corporate climate accountability, yet recent literature has critiqued this approach. We argue for structured pluralism with budget compliance — balancing methodological flexibility while preserving the disciplining power of carbon budgets.

Authors: Saphira Rekker, Kaya Axelsson, Anders Bjørn, Chris Greig, Richard Heede, Matthew J. Hornsey, Jacquelyn E. Humphrey, Matthew Ives, David Kampmann, Mark Roelfsema, Adrien Rose, Sue-Lyn Stubbs and Belinda Wade.

Publication details
Theme(s)
The meaning of net zero
Type(s)
Comment
Author(s)
Axelsson, Kaya
Year(s)
2025
Nature Climate Change

Latest news

Oxford Net Zero academics co-lead open letter to DESNZ Secretary of State on carbon storage
Oxford Net Zero academics co-lead open letter to DESNZ Secretary of State on carbon storage

Dozens of academics, environmental professionals and members of civil society have this week published an open letter to the Secretary of State at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh, arguing for specific ... Read more

Dr Radhika Khosla awarded the title of Professor of Environmental Science and Policy
Dr Radhika Khosla awarded the title of Professor of Environmental Science and Policy

Dr Radhika Khosla, formerly Associate Professor and researcher at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford, has been awarded the title of Professor of Environmental Science and Policy. The title was awarded ... Read more

Here’s how to make North Sea drilling compatible with net zero
Here’s how to make North Sea drilling compatible with net zero

By Professor Myles Allen, Founding Director of Oxford Net Zero and Head of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, University of Oxford. Originally published by the Financial Times on 29 July 2026. Republished with permission. Click here ... Read more

See more news and events