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

CCC raises alarm over changes to ZEV mandate
Policy

CCC raises alarm over changes to ZEV mandate

In response to government's request for advice, CCC warns changes to policy could incentivise carmakers to sell more hybrids and PHEVs at the expense of BEV sales, leading to higher emissions

Michael Holder
Michael Holder
clock 02 October 2025 • 4 min read
'The common-sense, patriotic case for clean energy': GB Energy to expand UK school and hospital solar rollout
Policy

'The common-sense, patriotic case for clean energy': GB Energy to expand UK school and hospital solar rollout

Ed Miliband to confirm plans to double the number of UK clean energy jobs over the next five years to reach 830,000 by 2030

Michael Holder
Michael Holder
clock 30 September 2025 • 4 min read
EU Omnibus: Has Brussels fallen for the 'false assumption' businesses want to scrap sustainability rules?
Policy

EU Omnibus: Has Brussels fallen for the 'false assumption' businesses want to scrap sustainability rules?

Poll of more than 2,500 European business leaders reveals continued support for robust corporate sustainability and due diligence rules

James Murray
James Murray
clock 30 September 2025 • 8 min read