Course on ‘Reaching Net Zero for India’ to be launched by Oxford Smith School and CEEW

The Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), is set to introduce a groundbreaking course titled Reaching Net Zero for India. Hosted on the global learning platform Apolitical, this self-paced online certificate course is specifically tailored for Indian policymakers, senior business leaders, executives in financial institutions, and civil society members committed to India’s 2070 net-zero target. The course is scheduled to launch in early 2025.

India’s net-zero strategy promises to drive transformative economic change, reshaping industries, fostering green jobs, attracting investment in sustainable technologies, and enhancing energy security while mitigating climate risks. This course aims to integrate sustainability and climate change insights into both immediate and long-term decision-making processes.

As India’s transition to a green economy accelerates, it opens up opportunities for growth, job creation, and sustainability. The course, developed by the Smith School and CEEW, will address topics such as the science behind net zero, the political dynamics of climate change, and the implications of net-zero policies on India’s development, energy security, labor markets, and climate-risk resilience. Participants will gain a deep understanding of net-zero science and explore actionable strategies for implementation in their specific sectors.

Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of CEEW, emphasized, “Climate is now intertwined with the economy, and achieving net zero will have far-reaching effects on governance, banking portfolios, business sustainability, and quality of life. This course is launching at a crucial time, equipping Indian decision-makers to navigate a developmental path that demands both growth and decarbonization.”

Dr. Radhika Khosla, Associate Professor at the Oxford Smith School, highlighted the course’s global and local significance, stating, “Our goal is to bolster India’s journey towards net zero and sustainable development, while positioning the country as a leader in combating climate change. Human activities continue to drive greenhouse gas emissions, intensifying climate vulnerabilities for nations like India. This course seeks to make cutting-edge net-zero science accessible to policymakers and decision-makers, facilitating informed choices that unlock progress.”

The course will feature insights from Indian experts at the Smith School, including Dr. Radhika Khosla, Director of the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development, Dr. Anupama Sen, Head of Policy Engagement, and Ranjita Rajan, Business Fellow. CEEW contributors include Dr. Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Senior Fellow specializing in low-carbon economies and carbon markets. Together, these experts will provide a comprehensive understanding of India’s unique challenges and opportunities in achieving net-zero ambitions.