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
Job opening – Data Lead: Net Zero Tracker
This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of the project providing crucial data for assessing net zero commitments around the world – https://www.zerotracker.net. The Net Zero Tracker is built on the dedicated and organised effort of ... Read more
Findings from Scope 3 workshops hosted by Oxford Net Zero and Grantham Institute at Imperial College London published
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is the largest validator of corporate net-zero targets, representing nearly 40% of the global economy by market capitalisation, through assessment against its Corporate Net Zero Standard. In April ... Read more
Job openings: three new post-doc roles researching net zero aviation (now closed)
The School of Geography and the Environment and the Department of Earth Sciences are recruiting three Post-doctoral Research Associates (PDRAs) to form a cohort of researchers working on net zero aviation. The roles are: Post-Doctoral ... Read more
Oxford Net Zero report assesses the voluntary standards landscape
Oxford Net Zero’s Engagement Team have released a new report today, comprehensively assessing guidance for net zero across 37 different guidance documents, disclosure instruments and assessment frameworks. The team developed more than sixty ... Read more
Job Opening at ONZ: Youth Climate Training Assistant
The Oxford Net Zero Engagement Team (based at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment) is looking for a motivated individual to support the team 8 hours a week for 12 weeks (96 hours in total) in the second delivery of the Youth ... Read more
Onshore geological carbon storage has potential in the UK, but key knowledge and regulatory gaps remain – ONZ report
A new report by a team of Oxford Net Zero researchers reviews the current state of knowledge on onshore geological carbon storage (GCS) and its feasibility in the UK. Read more