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

Global Briefing: Amazon fires causing worse air pollution than in many mega-cities

Global Briefing: Amazon fires causing worse air pollution than in many mega-cities

Greenpeace warns forest clearance in the Amazon is creating an air pollution crisis, plus Australia offers free clean energy and PepsiCo ramps up regenerative farming plans

James Murray
clock 07 November 2025 • 5 min read
Natural England revamps strategy in support of economic growth

Natural England revamps strategy in support of economic growth

Agency claims new corporate strategy will help boost investment in nature-based solutions and deliver on economic growth and nature recovery goals

James Murray
clock 07 November 2025 • 3 min read
COP30: Over $5.5bn pledged to launch Tropical Forest Forever Facility

COP30: Over $5.5bn pledged to launch Tropical Forest Forever Facility

More than 50 countries back Tropical Forest Forever Facility, but blended finance instrument remains well short of initial $25bn capital target

Stuart Stone
clock 07 November 2025 • 4 min read