Who do we trust? Evidence and accountability in the net zero transition

Who decides what counts as credible evidence in the race to net zero? How can we tell the difference between real progress and well-packaged claims? What happens to climate action when trust in data and reporting breaks down?

This panel discussion explores the growing importance of trust and accountability in sustainability action at a time of rapid political change and mounting pressure to deliver on net zero commitments. The discussion will explore why trusted and verifiable evidence is essential to driving the net zero transition, and what happens when confidence in sustainability claims begins to erode. Drawing on perspectives from sustainability consultancy, data and measurement, local government and systems transformation, the discussion will explore how evidence is generated, assessed and used to inform decisions across complex environmental and economic systems. 

Chaired by: 

Professor Jim Davies, Professor of Software Engineering; Director of the Oxford EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Health Data Science; Commissioner for the Oxford Commission on Sustainability Data 

Panellists: 

• Freya Chambers, Senior Consultant, 3Keel 

• Jimmy Jia, Managing Partner, Inquisitive Partners; DPhil Candidate, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford 

• Councillor Anna Railton, City Councillor for Hinksey Park; Deputy Leader; Cabinet Member for a Zero Carbon Oxford 

• Ajai Sreevatsan, Senior Opinion Editor, Springer Nature 

This event is part of a series of Kellogg Conversations exploring sustainability and the leadership, evidence and collective action needed to build a thriving world.

Additional information 

• Tea and coffee offered from 5.00pm 

• Main discussion, 5.30–6.30pm 

• Drinks reception for speakers and attendees, 6.30/6.45pm-7.15pm 

Open to: General Public, Members of Kellogg College,