The New Transition Politics of Net Zero

Abstract

The net zero transition requires concurrent and rapid decarbonisation in five major consumption‐production systems—transport, housing, industry, food and power. These systems differ in their public visibility and institutional makeup, as well as in their technologies. Transition politics needs dexterity to facilitate transformation of these multiple systems. Yet, there remain big contrasts in the rate of change of different systems. These are shown by the variation in the fulfilment of the 2020 system targets which were set in the 2009 UK Low Carbon Transition Plan. Comparison of the transition pathways of renewable electricity production and home insulation indicates that current UK net zero transition politics is poorly suited to the transformation of household energy use. A more proactive state and wider public participation are needed for a more effective place‐based approach. Environmental activism and populist backlash have focused attention on everyday transformative change. A new type of transition politics which engages with multiple systems is needed to rise to this urgent climate challenge.