The systems view: achieving net zero targets in complex sectors

"Transitioning to a Net Zero World: Addressing Key Barriers"

Introduction

The quest to transition to a net-zero world involves navigating complex political, economic, legal, and financial challenges, rather than solely technical difficulties. This report, part of a series exploring systemic obstacles to achieving net zero, identifies three core challenges:

1. Global Interdependencies

   • Context: Business, industry, and consumption activities occur across borders, while climate action is typically pursued within national contexts.
   • Action: Cross-border alignment and understanding national perspectives are crucial. This involves mapping sectors such as agriculture, industry, and transport (using case studies like Great Britain's energy and transport sectors) to illustrate the interconnectedness and complexities.

2. Complexity within Sectors

   • Insight: Each sector comprises intricate systems and diverse actors. Determining who should lead change and resolve inconsistencies is challenging.
   • Example: Energy efficiency in homes and sustainable product sourcing are explored through case studies (UK and Austria for energy efficiency, tea and smartphones for product sustainability).

3. Feasibility for Consumers

   • Focus: Making sustainable choices accessible, affordable, and the default option for consumers is essential.
   • Strategy: Governments and large businesses must utilize all available levers of influence to set frameworks for production and consumption, aligning individual choices with systemic changes across national boundaries.

Challenges and Solutions

• Global Interdependencies:

  • Action: Encourage international cooperation, share best practices, and establish shared targets to harmonize national agendas.

• Complexity within Sectors:

  • Action: Foster interdisciplinary collaboration, promote transparent decision-making frameworks, and encourage innovation in sustainable technologies and practices.

• Feasibility for Consumers:

  • Action: Implement policies that prioritize sustainability in procurement, incentivize green technologies, and educate consumers about eco-friendly options. Ensure that sustainable products are competitively priced and widely available.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a net-zero world necessitates overcoming significant barriers related to global interdependencies, sector complexity, and consumer feasibility. By addressing these challenges through strategic collaboration, policy reform, and consumer engagement, we can pave the way towards a sustainable future. This report serves as a foundational step in a series aimed at deepening our understanding of the multifaceted obstacles standing in the way of a net-zero transition.