30 years on: What lessons does the Rio Summit offer for the drive to net zero?

clock • 7 min read
Credit: Flickr/ UN Photo/Michos Tzovaras
Image:

Credit: Flickr/ UN Photo/Michos Tzovaras

With countries now setting net zero targets on a thirty-year timeline, it is important to explore the legacy of a deal agreed by heads of state three decades ago, write Craig Jones and Felix Dodds

In 1972, Chinese premier Zhou Enlai was asked about the impact of the French revolution, almost 200 years on. "Too early to say", he replied. 30 years ago today, arguably the most important global...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Policy

Renewables Obligation scheme index change accused of 'damaging investor confidence'

Renewables Obligation scheme index change accused of 'damaging investor confidence'

Decision to change index-linked subsidy payments prompts criticism from investors, but others argue end to policy uncertainty could help unlock new deals

Michael Nelson, Investment Week
clock 02 February 2026 • 4 min read
Shaun Spiers to step down as chair of Green Alliance

Shaun Spiers to step down as chair of Green Alliance

Executive director of influential think tank and chair of the Greener UK coalition of environmental groups to step down at the end of February

James Murray
clock 30 January 2026 • 2 min read
 Government extends Warm Home Discount for five years to 2030

Government extends Warm Home Discount for five years to 2030

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirms extension of energy bill support scheme, as new analysis reiterates that high gas prices are primary driver of increased energy bills

Amber Rolt and James Murray
clock 29 January 2026 • 4 min read