I’m delighted that we are able to serve as the host for this event to mark the publication of Mission Zero, the independent review of the net zero agenda for the UK Government, undertaken by the former universities & science minister, the Right Honourable Chris Skidmore. At King’s we are acutely aware of our responsibility to people and planet, and to the need to become a net zero university ourselves, which is why climate change and sustainability is a critical strategic focus . We have an opportunity to help make the world a better place by marshalling our expertise to build understanding, generate innovative solutions, and educate a new generation of global change makers who can help propel progress on climate action.
President & Principal of King’s, Professor Shitij Kapur
17 January 2023
King's hosts launch of Net Zero review
King’s College London yesterday (16 January) hosted the launch of Mission Zero, an independent review of the Net Zero agenda for the UK Government at the Strand campus.
Mission Zero, authored by the Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP, the former Energy and Universities Minister, sets out the ‘historic opportunity’ offered by net zero and makes 129 recommendations to seize opportunities from creating a green economy.
The President & Principal of King’s, Professor Shitij Kapur, opened the launch event with a speech welcoming the report and highlighting some of the sector-leading sustainability work taking place at King’s, which is central to the university’s strategic ambitions. Focused particularly on collaborations that will support the development of new solutions to enable just and fair net zero transitions, a new Net Zero Centre is being developed in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and & Engineering Sciences, and an Institute of Sustainable Business in the King’s Business School.
During the event, the Minister for Energy and Climate, Graham Stuart MP shared his initial thoughts on the review, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Chris Skidmore and including leading sector voices such as Dr Rebecca Heaton, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group; Ben Wilson, Chief Strategy Officer at the National Grid; Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association and Polly Billington, Chief Executive and Founder of UK100.
During his speech, Professor Kapur also celebrated King’s leading climate scientists who have helped author reports over the years for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; highlighted sustainability and climate change education which is embedded in over 100 modules at King’s; and noted King’s work with governments and policymakers to deliver strong contributions to the challenge of climate change.
Our universities, through the delivery of cutting-edge research and world-leading education, have a key role to play in delivering Mission Zero which is why I am delighted to launch the Net Zero review from King’s College London. We should be proud of the lead the UK has taken in tackling climate change, having exceeded expectations so far in our race to net zero emissions by 2050. We lead in areas including clean technologies, science, manufacturing and green finance and the recommendations in the report are designed to make the most of this historic opportunity, covering the length and breadth of our economy, so that people in every part of the country can reap the benefits of this both in their communities, and in their pockets.
Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP