Researchers call for ‘whole-systems approach to decarbonisation’

In an article published in the Climate Policy journal, researchers have argued that embracing concerns over a just transition within net-zero planning would provide credibility and sustainability to the strategy. The research calls for a “whole-systems” approach to decarbonisation, which implies a focus on the societal effects and inclusiveness of the transition. As an example, a factor in planning would be distributive justice: distributing the costs of transition in a fair and equitable manner. A key policy recommendation from the study is that “the transition to net zero will be neither sustainable nor credible if it creates or worsens social inequalities; a backlash is likely if the transition is not perceived to be just”.