UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Technology is not the only means of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Economics can also supply the needed incentives for individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. Sir Dieter Helm, professor of economic policy at the University of Oxford and fellow in economics at New College, Oxford, will discuss the need for a carbon price as a means of lowering emissions at a talk at noon on Monday, April 19. The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will be broadcast via Zoom.

Helm’s talk is based on his most recent book, “Net Zero: How We Stop Causing Climate Change,” in which he lays out a plan for reaching net-zero carbon emissions through carbon pricing. He has provided extensive advice to the United Kingdom and European governments on energy policy and has served as special adviser to the European Commissioner for Energy and as chairman of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on the European Commission’s “Energy Roadmap 2030.” Helm is chairman of Natural Capital Research, which develops natural capital models and assessments for the better use of land, and honorary vice president of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. He was awarded knighthood for services to the environment, energy and utilities policy in 2021.

Helm’s talk is part of the spring 2021 EarthTalks series, “Energy and climate policy: How to avoid a global hothouse.” The series focuses on policies and technology that could help slow down global warming and addresses topics such as carbon taxes, renewable energy subsidies and the feasibility of carbon sequestration. For more information about the spring 2021 series, visit the EarthTalks website.