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Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy
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JusTN0W – Just Transitions to a Net Zero World – Second Annual International Conference

10 October 2025
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JusTN0W Second Annual Conference

On the 9th and 10th October 2025, Durham University’s Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy (CSDLP), in collaboration with the European Center of Just Transition Research and Impact-Driven Transfer (JTC) at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, hosted the Second Annual International Conference on “Just Transitions to a Net Zero World” at the historic Redhills Durham Miners Hall.

The two-day event brought together leading academics, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the legal, economic, technological, and ethical dimensions of achieving just transitions to a net zero world.
Across a series of keynote sessions, presentations and interdisciplinary panels, participants engaged in highly valuable discussions, leading to the following key insights:
  • States have legal obligations to combat climate change, and standards of due diligence are both applicable and stringent.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are increasingly understood as legally binding instruments.
  • Bridging the gap between scientific research, law and real-world policymaking will accelerate pathways to Net Zero. 
  • Economic tools, policies and models exist to guide the green transition, yet ethical imperatives must remain central.
  • Fossil fuels are failing to address global energy poverty, underscoring the urgency of equitable innovation.
  • Above all, international cooperation remains essential to delivering sustainable and just outcomes.
Reflecting on the event, Professor Petra Minnerop, Director of the CSDLP and one of the Principal Investigators of the JusTN0W initiative, highlighted the importance of connecting rigorous academic research with policy development:
“This conference demonstrated how interdisciplinary and international collaboration can foster a common understanding for concepts of 'just transitions' and 'sustainability' — and translate these into actionable pathways for global transitions to net zero. It is encouraging to see that the conference has already forged new ideas and projects"
The discussions and findings will feed into forthcoming UNFCCC submissions and COP policy dialogues, strengthening the bridge between research and real-world implementation. A project report is in preparation.
To stay up to date with our research, professional development opportunities, and engagement activities, join our network by emailing csdlp@durham.ac.uk 
Explore the following webpages for more information: