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

Government eyes stronger consumer safeguards for green home retrofits

Government eyes stronger consumer safeguards for green home retrofits

Insulation installers could face bans or fines for failing to meet minimum performance standards, under plans released for consultation today

Michael Holder
clock 17 June 2026 • 4 min read
If Keir Starmer wants to secure his legacy, there is a growth plan ready and waiting for him

If Keir Starmer wants to secure his legacy, there is a growth plan ready and waiting for him

The promised Circular Economy Growth Plan is now six months overdue, yet it could deliver resilience, competitiveness, growth and energy security, writes Libby Peake from Green Alliance

Libby Peake, Green Alliance
clock 17 June 2026 • 4 min read
'Not good enough for the environment': Defra opposes proposed Thames Water rescue deal

'Not good enough for the environment': Defra opposes proposed Thames Water rescue deal

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds writes to Ofwat to express her opposition to multi-billion-pound turnaround plan for debt-ridden water company proposed by lenders L&VW

Michael Holder
clock 16 June 2026 • 3 min read