To reach net-zero carbon emissions, we must address social inequalities
Global and local inequalities
These recent events underscore how any transition to a net-zero society must take into account social conditions. Measures that worsen social inequalities and injustices are intolerable, causing serious harm, and are likely to provoke significant popular resistance – ultimately jeopardizing any sustained climate action.
COP discussions have rightly focused on the difficult task of striking the right balance of duties between countries, especially between wealthy countries and emerging economies that did not benefit from the era of unrestricted industrialization. But it is important to remember that the effects of climate change and mitigation are also unequal within countries. Intersecting differences, such as those related to gender, ethnicity, class, age, ability and more, affect the impact of policy interventions, as we have seen throughout the pandemic.
In the UK,research showsthat those who lack access to affordable energy (living in poorly insulated housing, for example) are also more likely to live in areas with worse air pollution from traffic and industry.
In our COP26 briefing paperJust Transition: Pathways to Socially Inclusive Decarbonization, we flag the important social justice concerns that a transition to a post-carbon economy must address.
