How we can work towards Net Zero goals, together

What is it about?

Climate change has long been challenging us as a society. That is why the 2015 Paris Agreement was put into motion. The goal of this agreement is to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, known as the 'Net Zero' goal. Now, achieving Net Zero will require an immediate, society-wide commitment to action. But do we know enough about how policies can drive this commitment? A paper published in 2022 argues that we do not. The authors of this paper believe we need to look at the interplay between the public, policies, and politicians. They identify specific research gaps in this area.

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Photo by Алекс Арцибашев on Unsplash

Photo by Алекс Арцибашев on Unsplash

Why is it important?

In a democracy, politicians want to secure their re-election. So, they tend to focus on the near-term benefits of their voters (such as jobs and economic wealth). Long-term goals (like Net Zero) take a backseat. However, politicians make policies. And policies can drive societal commitment towards a common goal—in this case, Net Zero. Why has this not happened yet, then? Because existing research as to why democracy has remained unable to deliver effective climate change policies has so far focused on the role of sole stakeholders. But it is the interactions between the public, politicians, and policies that drive societal commitment. An in-depth study of these interactions is likely to provide useful insights into how climate change policies can be enacted. A more integrated analysis of how different political systems address such problems can help us better understand what is needed to achieve the Net Zero goal. KEY TAKEAWAY: A more integrated understanding of the three-way interactions between policies, the public, and politicians—of who does what, where, when, and in what order—is likely to deliver effective climate change policies in the future. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 13: Climate Action • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals