Key Takeaways:
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"Solving" the climate crisis is undoubtedly one of the most complex problems humanity has ever faced. The best path forward is rarely clear but there is plenty the experts can agree on. At a high level, the solution is simple... we have to try if we want to stand a chance of success.
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We all have a part to play in each step of the solution. If enough of us apply the right mindset to dealing with this issue, then we will get there.
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Step 1: Education & awareness (start with why...)- we need enough understanding and engagement amongst the general public to pressure governments to follow the scientific advice (a "critical mass"). Unless the general public truly understands why it is necessary, they will not be supportive of the fairly drastic levels of action scientists are calling for.
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Step 2: Make Net Zero our top priority- from all angles and for every decision (big or small) we should do what we reasonably can to close the gap between emissions and drawdowns. Stabilising global temperatures is essential for our collective survival, which is why it has to take precedence over other important issues (which pose less of a threat to our most fundamental human needs).
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Step 3: Rapidly transition to a sustainable economy - one that is circular, in balance with nature and based on clean energy - we need governments to create the framework and support structure to transition to a system that's sustainable long term. This includes aligning financial incentives with Net Zero goals and setting out a clear vision and direction to give the private sector and investors more certainty.
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Material Type: Opinion Piece (Oli Strong- Founder)
A Net Zero world will likely require most of the skills that exist in the job market today (often applied in slightly different ways), as well as new skills that are yet to be developed. Change is uncomfortable and some jobs will cease to exist in a Net Zero world, but we should be confident that these will be replaced by new jobs and opportunities.
We believe, at a high level, the solution is a three step process and every single one of us has a vital part to play...
Step 1
The first step of any problem solving process is to understand the challenge. Scientists have already done that for us largely but, given our democratic system, we need a “critical mass” of understanding in order to make well-informed decisions as a collective (i.e. enough understanding amongst the general public to pressure governments to follow the scientific advice). That is the only way we will push through the level of change that scientists are advising us to make. It’s in our best interest to follow their advice, which is clear that we need “unprecedented changes” across all sectors of society.
We want to be completely upfront with you: achieving this level of change will be uncomfortable. We are going to have to make some changes we don’t want to make and we’re going to have to make them much quicker than we would like to. Unfortunately, we have little choice, the situation isn't ideal.
Change management principles state that we need to clearly communicate why these changes need to be made, so that enough of us are on board with making them. In the late 1930s, few people wanted to go to war with Nazi Germany, but they understood the need to in part thanks to Churchill’s clear communication of the threats posed by Hitler’s regime. Without that, we may well have lost the war through inaction.
We believe, at a high level, the solution is a three step process and every single one of us has a vital part to play...
Step 1
The first step of any problem solving process is to understand the challenge. Scientists have already done that for us largely but, given our democratic system, we need a “critical mass” of understanding in order to make well-informed decisions as a collective (i.e. enough understanding amongst the general public to pressure governments to follow the scientific advice). That is the only way we will push through the level of change that scientists are advising us to make. It’s in our best interest to follow their advice, which is clear that we need “unprecedented changes” across all sectors of society.
We want to be completely upfront with you: achieving this level of change will be uncomfortable. We are going to have to make some changes we don’t want to make and we’re going to have to make them much quicker than we would like to. Unfortunately, we have little choice, the situation isn't ideal.
Change management principles state that we need to clearly communicate why these changes need to be made, so that enough of us are on board with making them. In the late 1930s, few people wanted to go to war with Nazi Germany, but they understood the need to in part thanks to Churchill’s clear communication of the threats posed by Hitler’s regime. Without that, we may well have lost the war through inaction.
How can you help?
Step 2
We make addressing this issue our number one priority as a society. We need to cultivate a fundamental mindset shift so that for any decision (big or small) we’re asking ourselves “what can we reasonably do to reduce emissions and increase drawdowns?”- whether that’s individuals going out shopping or governments making funding decisions, the approach should be the same.
As part of this step we need everyone working on this issue. The engineers, innovators, scientists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, financiers, product designers, marketers, salesman, construction workers, tree planters, farmers and people from all professions will be so important in driving the innovation and change that we need in order to win the fight and stabilise temperatures.
How can you help?
Step 3
The government needs to create the framework and support structure for a sustainable economy. It is vital that financial incentives align to longer term goals and only governments have the power to shift market dynamics to take into account the true costs of environmental damage caused by burning fossil fuels. This can't happen drastically overnight but governments should provide clarity on the direction of travel. We believe a sustainable economy is based on 3 key pillars...
- Become part of that critical mass- recognise that there is always more to learn and question your understanding of this topic in order to further it. What are the questions you would ask if you were trying to make informed decisions? Do you have an accurate appreciation of the severity (consider the Trump-Thunberg Scale)?
- Help others become part of the critical mass- engage in constructive conversations around this issue and encourage others to look into it.
Step 2
We make addressing this issue our number one priority as a society. We need to cultivate a fundamental mindset shift so that for any decision (big or small) we’re asking ourselves “what can we reasonably do to reduce emissions and increase drawdowns?”- whether that’s individuals going out shopping or governments making funding decisions, the approach should be the same.
As part of this step we need everyone working on this issue. The engineers, innovators, scientists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, financiers, product designers, marketers, salesman, construction workers, tree planters, farmers and people from all professions will be so important in driving the innovation and change that we need in order to win the fight and stabilise temperatures.
How can you help?
- Make it clear to your boss, government, local leaders etc. that you think addressing climate change should be top of our agenda.
- Cultivate a mindset shift so that you’re consistently working at living more sustainably. Remember that there is a balance to be had and that determining what is reasonable is up to you based on your unique circumstances. We all have time, money or other constraints that mean we’re never going to be perfect.
- If you’ve got a particular skill or talent, humanity needs you, and given you’re part of humanity, you need you to come up with solutions too (or be part of someone else’s). Think about how your skills could be applied to the Net Zero transition.
Step 3
The government needs to create the framework and support structure for a sustainable economy. It is vital that financial incentives align to longer term goals and only governments have the power to shift market dynamics to take into account the true costs of environmental damage caused by burning fossil fuels. This can't happen drastically overnight but governments should provide clarity on the direction of travel. We believe a sustainable economy is based on 3 key pillars...
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Circularity
I.e. A zero waste economy, where companies have to create or import products that are fully recyclable (within reason and allowing for a period of transition). We believe capitalism should be allowed to work within that framework but we must move to a system that is sustainable long term, and the current "Take-Make-Waste" model isn’t. |
Clean energy
Where we are no longer burn fossil fuels for energy (whether that’s electricity, transportation, construction etc.). The government needs to incentivise and support the private sector to drive that transition as quickly as reasonably possible. |
In balance with nature
It is estimated that over half of world GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature. We need the the natural world to ensure our collective survival and it is vital that we find ways of preserving its benefits long term. |
How can you help?
Getting the basics right
The best path forward is rarely obvious and there are many complex factors to consider. However, there are a number of things nearly all independent experts agree on and things we must get right in order to achieve our climate goals:
1) A rapid shift away from burning fossil fuels is needed - it is practically impossible to reach Net Zero within the limited carbon budget for 1.5 degrees of warming if we are continuing to burn huge amounts of fossil fuels. Annual global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels were approximately 36 billion tonnes in 2022 and if every carbon capture facility currently planned by developers was built and operating by 2030, they would capture around 220 million tonnes per year (less than 1% of current emissions). Scaling up carbon drawdowns to match emissions is not economically viable given the 1.5 degree target, therefore we need a rapid scaling up of renewable and other clean energy sources to replace the energy generated by fossil fuels.
2) End deforestation and work with nature - deforestation is bad on both sides of the Net Zero equation. Nature has the ability to drawdown huge amount of greenhouse gases but by damaging rainforests and other ecosystems we are hampering natures capability to remove GHGs from the atmosphere. Deforestation also releases large amounts of greenhouses gases, further contributing to the problem.
- Support the government to drive systematic change. Write or speak to your MP, sign petitions and use your vote or polls to signal your support for more transformational change.
Getting the basics right
The best path forward is rarely obvious and there are many complex factors to consider. However, there are a number of things nearly all independent experts agree on and things we must get right in order to achieve our climate goals:
1) A rapid shift away from burning fossil fuels is needed - it is practically impossible to reach Net Zero within the limited carbon budget for 1.5 degrees of warming if we are continuing to burn huge amounts of fossil fuels. Annual global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels were approximately 36 billion tonnes in 2022 and if every carbon capture facility currently planned by developers was built and operating by 2030, they would capture around 220 million tonnes per year (less than 1% of current emissions). Scaling up carbon drawdowns to match emissions is not economically viable given the 1.5 degree target, therefore we need a rapid scaling up of renewable and other clean energy sources to replace the energy generated by fossil fuels.
2) End deforestation and work with nature - deforestation is bad on both sides of the Net Zero equation. Nature has the ability to drawdown huge amount of greenhouse gases but by damaging rainforests and other ecosystems we are hampering natures capability to remove GHGs from the atmosphere. Deforestation also releases large amounts of greenhouses gases, further contributing to the problem.