The University of Exeter has postponed its net zero target to 2050 following a two-year review of its climate strategy led by Global Systems Institute director Peter Cox.
The university says its new goal “realigns” its previous commitment to reach net zero by 2030, adding that its new climate strategy will focus on reducing its organisational greenhouse gas emissions instead of relying on carbon offsets.
It says such offsetting schemes “lack the credibility, permanence and verifiability essential for genuine emissions cuts”.
Along with numerous other UK universities, local authorities and the government, the University of Exeter declared a climate emergency in 2019 during widespread campaigning on the issue by Extinction Rebellion and others including Fridays for Future, a school strike movement inspired by then-teenager Greta Thunberg which had a major impact in Exeter.
