Connecting community-focused plans with a net zero strategy requires attention, harnessing relevant studies and avoiding dependence on conventional ideas about what will deliver the most effective action plan.
The Sustainable Consumption Institute at the University of Manchester has focused on developing a Joined-Up Sustainability Transformation (JUST) approach that many industry experts believe should become government policy. JUST consists of three core initiatives, allowing a movement towards the social and political measures limiting the rate of change required to effectively tackle climate, social care and cost of living issues. JUST emphasises these issues cannot be tackled effectively without placing justice at the core of research, policy and new measures.
A critical step in the right direction is strengthening the connections between social inequalities and environmental sustainability, which requires exploring power distribution and how other differential factors (like gender, class and race) present barriers to pursuing net zero.
Furthermore, some industry specialists are driving transformation over the transition. While a shift away from fossil fuels is necessary, some experts believe it fails to acknowledge the other parameters faced within the challenges today. Regarding climate change, transformation refers to a process of social change that challenges and replaces the common concepts that will move us towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
JUST prioritises the connections between social inequalities and sustainability, offering a more comprehensive idea of the transformational processes required that are hindered by economic, technological or behavioural approaches.
According to the Cambridge Sustainability Commission, we must convert insights from abundant technical and behavioural research into new processes that respond more effectively and considerately to social and political barriers to achieving the UK’s net zero goals.
Finally, JUST redirects our focus from national, top-down policies to community-based, collaborative plans to deliver transformational change. This method addresses inequalities and marginalisation, but goes further than behavioural change, securing the energy of communities to tackle both inequalities and climate action together. A joined-up approach must determine the existing potential at the community level. This collaboration requires a mix of community-focused research exploring community life, how experiences define action and the potential for action on sustainability.
Instead of adopting the build-back greener approach, the JUST concept would go beyond the green approach. What is required is defining a new social strategy, detailing the opportunities for improved quality of life, and incorporating jobs, income, health and wellbeing. JUST recommends a strong focus on demographic participation, so measures are designed and produced with the needs of local communities in mind, working with local people to provide support and empower marginalised populations.
The UK has experienced a rise in anti-net zero theories due to some political mistrust and a perceived fear that the green transition will impact poorer communities the hardest. The JUST concept can tackle negative connotations and fears associated with climate action. Focusing on collaborative strategies that reduce inequalities and support local communities for the future is a priority.
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