Net zero and 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.
This research theme is separated into three parts: an equitable transition, socio-ecological sustainability, and the generation of new economic opportunities.
EQUITABLE TRANSITION
The burden of meeting global net zero must be shared fairly.
The Paris Agreement emphasises the need for an equitable transition – in efforts to reduce poverty, net zero needs to be achieved in the context of sustainable development.
A balancing of responsibilities may therefore be required – the global peaking of emissions may take longer for developing countries.
Different countries should tailor their paths to net zero, based on their national circumstances, with some reaching net zero faster to support those developing more slowly.
SOcio-ecological sustainability
To achieve durable net zero without negative ecological and social consequences, plans need to be aligned with complementary sustainability objectives.
Climate change is interlinked with other socio-ecological challenges, many of which have the same root causes.
Net zero plans need to take these challenges into account, in order to simultaneously limit surface warming, slow biodiversity declines and support human societies.
new economic opportunities
Net zero prosperity can materialise through cycles of clean investment, renewal and growth.
To ensure a fair transition to net zero economies, cross-sector collaboration, generous social protection and investment in education and skills are required.
OTHER RESEARCH THEMES
What is net zero?
the urgency of zero
Carbon Dioxide Removal
Carbon offsetting
News and Events
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
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
ONZ Fellows contribute to progress report for UN Secretary General
A new report, published today at COP29 in Baku and presented to the UN Secretary General, details the progress that non-state entities are making towards high-integrity net zero commitments. The report is a follow-up to the 2022 Integrity ... Read more