Progress not perfection: achieving equity on the path to net zero

The road to net-zero requires a transformation of our energy infrastructure unlike any that we have faced before. The choices we make today will be pivotal to shaping our world tomorrow, but how do we strike a balance between acting urgently and making well-informed decisions?

Although the path ahead remains unclear, one thing is certain: the pursuit of perfection must not hinder progress. The greatest risk we face – environmentally, economically and socially – is failing to act. Here are some ways we can enable a rapid transition that is both sustainable and equitable:

• Understand the perceptions: To address the challenges facing the energy transition, we must first understand our communities’ concerns and questions. While many people understand the importance of switching to clean energy, they do not understand what must change and how it will impact them. The demand-side of the transition is easier to grasp, but it is often interpreted as sacrifice. Our communities will not support decarbonisation if they believe they will have to give up their enjoyment, comfort or livelihoods to achieve it. In the same way, we cannot expect developing nations to go without the economic growth and prosperity that fossil-based energy has provided the rest of the world. Understanding our communities’ concerns, priorities and goals is crucial to ensuring a just transition.
• Shift the narrative: The narrative surrounding the energy transition matters. We must shift away from focusing on the sacrifices that must be made, to emphasising what we will gain. The significant investment and changes required to reach net-zero ultimately mean improved health, economic growth, job creation and more resilient and reliable energy. We must educate our communities in a way that is optimistic, while remaining honest and transparent.
• Empower decision-making: Finally, we must empower our communities to actively participate in the energy transition. At the individual level, many people, especially younger generations, do not have the luxury of choosing greener or more sustainable options when it comes to energy. We must level the playing field by providing incentives, funding and programs to households and businesses that make decarbonisation affordable, reliable and accessible to everyone.