News
SafeManzi Project Boosts Rural Water Security
The Government of the Republic of Zambia is rolling out a new Results-Based Contract (RBC) to ensure reliable drinking water in government schools and clinics. The RBC is based on the SafeManzi model, which was developed by Uptime Global in collaboration with the University of Oxford.
Computer game developed in partnership with Smith School and SBS researchers wins UNEP award
A video game designed to help players make more sustainable food choices earned an innovation award from the Playing for the Planet alliance.
Mark Carney’s fossil fuel pivot bewilders climate experts and business leaders
Ben Caldecott comments on the Canadian Prime Minister's approach to climate risk at the Bank of England and recent policies in Canada.
Oxford Smith School academics feature in new Bodleian portrait series
Two portrait photos featuring Oxford Smith School academics have been added to the walls of the Bodleian Libraries this month. The photos are part of an initiative called Catalysts, which is celebrating Oxford University's leading innovators in the fields of health, society, and the environment worldwide.
EU Set to Scale Back Sustainability Reporting Rules for Companies
The European Union has slackened its sustainability reporting requirements in a bid to make the bloc more competitive. Dr Thom Wetzer, Director of the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme, warned that the move will de-stabilise and fragment policies that had previously anchored EU firms’ expectations. “There will likely be a wave of litigation against firms at the national level, with litigants seeking to impose transition obligations via domestic legal routes,” he said.
Regulation is king: lessons clean energy must take from water sector reform
The net zero transition will require infrastructure build-out and national coordination at dizzying scale, often relying on private enterprise to bring public good. In this Community Insight post, Ranjita Rajan and Dr Tony Ballance explain how investing in regulatory capacity will be crucial for the green transition.
Scientists warn of severe climate-related risks to UK economy and security
In a first-of-its-kind national emergency briefing in Westminster, Nathalie Seddon spoke to over 120 MPs about nature and climate-related risks to the UK's economy, public health, food systems and national security.
Article 6 in Focus: outcomes from COP30
Dr Injy Johnstone and Sindi Kuci discuss progress on Article 6 at COP30 and the sticking points that remain.
Deploy social tariff for electricity to help struggling households, urges Oxford policy brief
A new policy brief from the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford argues that UK electricity bills should be fairer, not just lower.
Final deal at Cop30 stops short of commitment to phase out fossil fuels
As COP30 wound to a close, Dr Injy Johnstone discussed the future of the conference and the impact of the US government's lack of involvement this year. "There’s been a co-ordinated effort to bring in sub-state actors... California’s leadership has been putting forward some groundbreaking [proposals]. They’ve been seen as leaders in that space. People were very excited to see them on the ground,” she said.
Ukraine seeks $44B from Russia for war-related carbon emissions
Semafor reported on the vast carbon cost of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and referenced a new Oxford Net Zero policy brief led by Dr Ievegniia Kopystia and co-authored by Dr Injy Johnstone and Kaya Axelsson.
Illegal waste dump in Oxfordshire field - Dr Amani Maalouf comments
A huge pile of illegally dumped waste has appeared in a field north of Oxford. Dr Amani Maalouf, Senior Researcher and waste management expert, comments on the short and longer environmental impacts, and the broader problem of illegal waste sites.