Dr Thomas Hale, a Professor at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, plays a key role in the Race to Zero campaign, helping shape its direction through thought leadership and advising on partner initiatives. Speaking on the campaign’s journey over the past four years, Hale highlighted how the concept of reaching net zero has evolved from an abstract goal to a concrete, mainstream target adopted by thousands of entities.
From Ambition to Collective Action
“The Race to Zero has been instrumental in taking the net zero concept from a scientific idea to a practical goal that businesses, local governments, and other non-State actors are now pursuing,” Hale explained. “We’re seeing a real shift in the global multilateral process, as the involvement of these players has helped move beyond the typical bureaucratic gridlock. The success of these actors has fundamentally demonstrated that we need everyone on board to meet our global emission reduction goals.”
He noted that the current challenge lies in ensuring these commitments are effectively implemented, particularly for entities in the Global South. “How do we ensure that those pledging net zero have the capacity to deliver on these targets? That’s a question we must address as we move from mobilization to implementation,” he added.
The Power of Advocacy and the Ambition Loop
Dr Hale emphasised that for companies, aligning their climate efforts with public advocacy is crucial for meaningful progress. “We’ve seen many companies take voluntary steps towards decarbonisation, but they often fall short when it comes to pushing for industry-wide rules that level the playing field,” Hale said. He urged companies to actively support regulatory frameworks that reinforce their sustainability commitments, rather than relying solely on voluntary measures.
“Rules are coming,” Hale remarked, leaning forward for emphasis. “The number of net zero-related regulations has multiplied since the Paris Agreement. Companies that lead in this space will benefit most from having stronger regulations sooner, while those trying to slow the transition benefit from weaker, delayed rules. The more businesses advocate for better standards, the faster they create environments where sustainable strategies thrive.”
Hale also discussed the ‘ambition loop’—a dynamic where actions at one level of governance reinforce actions at others. “When national governments step up, it empowers cities and companies to take bolder actions. Conversely, when local and corporate players make ambitious moves, it eases the pathway for national policies,” Hale observed. “This interconnected push-pull dynamic strengthens resilience to political shifts and ensures momentum continues, even when there are bumps along the road.”
In conclusion, Hale shared an optimistic outlook, stating, “The ambition loop not only drives resilience but also solidifies climate action into our systems. The challenge is now to accelerate these processes and ensure that all parts of society—from governments to businesses—are working towards a unified, resilient, and sustainable future.”
Recommend for you:
