Most known fossil fuel reserves will have to stay underground if we are to remain within 1.5-2C of a global temperature rise.

As the world grapples with climate change, biodiversity loss and other environmental challenges, campaigners and some academics are questioning a central tenet of modern society – that continued economic growth is desirable. Professor Sam Fankhauser argues in favour of green growth, saying that "there’s no reason to believe that an economy powered by cars that are electric and renewable energy and hydrogen that fuels industry ... structurally or permanently must generate less prosperity."

As our water systems struggle under financial mismanagement and the pressures of climate change, higher water costs are something we’re all going to have to swallow.

Oxford Smith School’s latest policy brief explores the feasibility and benefits of a fast net zero transition for the UK. It finds that a shift to clean energy would save us money – and that the faster we go the more we could save. It also highlights the challenges of the transition and explores potential solutions. 

Grist explores criticisms of net zero pledges, with comment from Professor Sam Fankhauser. "Global net-zero is nonnegotiable if you’re serious about climate targets," he said. Where things start to skew, however, is when individual countries and businesses adopt net-zero targets for themselves. “That’s where you leave the science and get into the realm of policy and opinion.”

Professor Fankhauser writes on how universities can help tackle climate change through teaching, research, community engagement, campus emissions and divestment. "Few sectors have a more wide-ranging role than higher education in delivering our climate goals. Pretty much everything universities do has a direct bearing on climate outcomes."