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Net Zero
What is net zero?
Governments and organisations are setting targets to reduce GHG emissions to “net zero” in efforts to mitigate climate change. Net zero can also be called “carbon neutral”. Both mean deep reductions of GHG emissions with any residual emissions offset by removals of GHG emissions, either direct sequestration or through the purchase of carbon offsets/credits.
Local authority climate emergency
Aether is working with local authorities to support them plan for net zero. We recognise that local authorities have a key role in climate action implementation and with the best knowledge of the needs of their citizens and opportunities of their area, are well placed to influence emissions. However, successful responses to climate emergencies need to be evidence based and framed by data. With a focus on long term action tracking and public and private engagement, Aether can help decision makers coordinate, focus and prioritise the “call to action”.
To understand the critical pathways to act on the climate emergency it is first necessary to understand the current emissions and the projects which could shape emission reduction. Data gives us the power to make the right decisions and maximise return on investment. Aether’s Carbon Scenario Model includes historical data and analysis of plausible future climate action scenarios and policies to reach net zero. The tools equip decision makers to demonstrate the current challenge and progress to date, identify gaps and prioritise options for future action. Aether offers bespoke modelling solutions of climate action underpinned by decades of experience to support cities and local authorities to help define and shape climate emergency declarations.
The road to net zero
Climate action can’t be viewed in isolation. To develop net zero roadmaps we lead discussions on the reduction pathways and options available related to level of ambition, technology and behavioural change, and the required order of actions and investments to enable sustained change.
Relevant approaches to prioritise actions are already well known, such as the energy, transport and waste hierarchies. These must be supported through local enabling actions which should be set in place early. Linking strategy to implementation plans is crucial and we review current policies and how these can be transformed to enable progress to net zero.
Stakeholder engagement and forums such as citizen assemblies are central to the successful design of climate action. The priorities, needs and ambitions of the community inform the future pathway and give the confidence local governments or businesses need to set priorities and make long-term commitments.
We also analyse the wider impacts of net zero climate action, assessing the co-benefits and synergies possible with other strategic priorities, to garner cross-departmental support. Potential conflicts can be identified to minimise issues and maximise implementation sucess. You can read more about our wider impacts analysis here.
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