Time to Zero In

Climate change – and the transition to a net-zero economy and society – is the existential challenge of our time. Unless governments have a clear route map, this transition will be all the more difficult.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we are uniquely positioned to help governments navigate the challenges posed by climate change and the net-zero transition. We exist to equip leaders with fresh, progressive, practical policy ideas and solutions, and our expert team brings together specialists from climate policy, technology, innovation and economic development.

In recognition of the transformative role that climate tech will play in tackling the emergency, we identify pathways for scaling, funding and bringing innovations to market while working to ensure that low- and middle-income countries have access to the plans and partnerships they will need for adaptation – as part of an equitable energy transition. You can read more about our vision for net zero and the work we’re doing below.

Buildings reflecting a forest rise into the sky

COP 28

Taking Stock

COP28 will see the culmination of the first global stocktake of progress towards the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement. The evidence so far indicates we are nowhere near where we need to be. Our ability to transition the world’s energy systems, which are responsible for 75 per cent of emissions, will be central to successfully meeting the Paris targets.

It’s time to move beyond ideology and start investing in practical partnerships that can help develop, scale and deploy the emerging energy technologies that provide hope for the future.

Tony Blair Statement on COP28 Presidency

This year's summit in the United Arab Emirates represents an opportunity to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones.

Statement

COP 27

Moving to Delivery

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have contributed minimally to the climate crisis – but they bear the brunt of its impact. COP27 moved the focus from pledges to delivery, highlighting the need for LMICs to drive their energy transitions on their own terms. The energy path that LMICs take will be key to mitigating the worst impacts of climate change, and finding the right one requires more than just an investment plan.

It’s in the global interest for developed countries to work with low-income countries as genuine partners, collaborating on tech-enabled transitions as part of a new equitable global approach.

Model man standing around talking while the planet melts

Closing the Climate Divide: How Energy-Transition Plans Can Turn Pledges Into Projects

To mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, the global community must act now to ensure low- and middle-income countries are not left behind in the energy transition while developed nations must follow through on their existing climate pledges. This paper offers a five-step framework to achieve effective energy transition.

Paper

A squiggly line show a transition from city to forest to green energy production like solar and wind

Tech Beyond COP27: An Agenda to Develop, Scale and Deploy

Climate tech is key to tackling the climate emergency, but progress in bringing innovations to market at scale is still too slow. Along with the private sector and other actors, wealthier nations need to step up and address the challenge of developing, scaling and deploying climate tech in the markets where it matters the most.

Commentary

COP 26

A Renewed Focus

Ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Conference (COP26), we made the case for an inclusive transition to net zero that recognises the unique needs of low- and middle-income countries. Our staff accompanied the official envoys from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Togo and Sierra Leone to the COP26 conference, having assisted those governments’ climate agendas ahead of the summit, and provided support and advice while in Glasgow.

boy silhouetted against rolling hills and sunset

A Just Transition for Africa: Championing a Fair and Prosperous Pathway to Net Zero

Africa’s response to climate change must be Africa-led. This paper shares insights and recommendations for how leaders in high-income countries can partner with African governments to to deliver on development for the continent while mitigating climate change and its worst impacts.

Paper

Tony Blair: Africa Needs Support If It Is to Play Its Part in the Drive for Net Zero Carbon Emissions

Tony Blair calls for COP26 to move beyond high flown rhetoric towards realistic plans to meet the scale of the challenge of the climate crisis that include strategies for the developing world.

Commentary

photo illustration of a block of ice representing antarctica melting

COP26 Review: Glass Half Full?

COP26 in Glasgow represented some progress towards net-zero goals, but some shortcomings as well. We examine the agreements of the past fortnight measure up and ask whether we now have reason to be optimistic on climate change.

Briefing