When The Rubber Hits the Road: Corporate Law and the Net Zero Agenda

Adeyeye, Adefolake

Abstract

The Climate Change Act includes a 2050 net zero target. Achieving this goal requires collaboration from the government, the private sector, and citizens. This article focuses on the critical role of the private sector and examines how corporate law seeks to facilitate the net zero objective. Despite these intentions, there is a disconnect between the legal framework and the practical demands of addressing climate change, revealing shortcomings in corporate law as a facilitator of net zero. By exploring relevant provisions in the UK Companies Act 2006 related to climate change, the article argues for repositioning directors’ primary obligations to include climate change considerations. This shift will foster research on business and sustainability, moving the focus from shareholder interests towards the true achievement of net zero.

Citation

Adeyeye, A. (in press). When The Rubber Hits the Road: Corporate Law and the Net Zero Agenda. Journal of Business Law,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 22, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 2, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Business Law
• Print ISSN: 0021-9460
• Publisher: Sweet and Maxwell
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2783026