A people-centred approach is needed to meet net zero goals
by Caroline Verfuerth, Christina Demski, Stuart Capstick, Lorraine Whitmarsh and Wouter Poortinga
- Date
- 28 Sep 2023
- Publisher
- Journal of the British Academy
- Digital Object Identifier
- https://doi.org/10.5871/jba/011s4.097
- Number of pages
- 28
Pages in this section
Abstract: To meet net zero goals, more drastic action is needed than is acknowledged by most policymakers, posing a major social challenge that will impact many aspects of people’s lives. This paper emphasises the importance of a people-centred approach for policy makers to achieve net zero effectively and rapidly while being alert to citizens’ needs and concerns. We advocate a comprehensive and inclusive public engagement strategy, discussing insights on four key questions to guide policymakers in developing successful engagement strategies. (1) How do climate-friendly social transformations happen?, (2) How can behavioural change for net zero be supported? (3) How can people be involved in decision-making on net zero?, and (4) How does climate change intersect with other societal challenges? We conclude with clear policy recommendations: government leadership at all levels (national, devolved, local), underpinned by a public engagement strategy for net zero, is needed in addition to fair and consistent policies that are transparent about the scale of action needed.
Keywords: People-centred approach, public engagement, behaviour change, government
Article posted to the Journal of the British Academy, volume 11, supplementary issue 4 (Governance Factors on the Road to Net Zero)