Conceptualising socially inclusive environmental policy: a just transition to Net Zero

The policy area addressing the climate crisis in the UK, 'Net Zero', will affect many aspects of people's everyday life. Given that policy builds from where we are now, which for some (post austerity, and mid cost of living crisis) means in financial crisis, there is work to be done in enabling a socially inclusive Net Zero. In this article, we modify the Bristol Social Exclusion Matrix's four forms of participation for social inclusion, drawing on the existing literature on the social risks of environmental policy, to articulate the risks of social exclusion in transition to Net Zero. This enables us to develop a 'person-centred' approach to understanding the risks of Net Zero, articulating the risks of exclusion, and who is likely to be affected by them. We conclude by outlining a framework for an inclusive transition, and commenting on the policy and research implications of our thinking.

Automated summary

This article explores the potential wide-ranging impacts of the UK's policy response to the climate crisis, called 'Net Zero', on people's daily lives. Recognizing the current financial crisis faced by some individuals due to austerity measures and a high cost of living, efforts must be made to ensure a socially inclusive transition to Net Zero. By modifying the Bristol Social Exclusion Matrix and drawing on existing literature, the study identifies the risks of social exclusion during the transition and examines who is likely to be affected. The article concludes by presenting a framework for an inclusive transition and discussing the policy and research implications.