Should every nation reach net zero simultaneously, or is a staggered approach more equitable?
In short: While global net zero is essential, the path there is fraught with political and ethical complexity. Myles Allen argues that historical emitters like the UK must lead, yet warns that a staggered transition risks leaving developing nations behind. We must navigate this without fueling populist backlash or deepening global inequality.
Professor Myles Allen, speaking at Gresham College in May 2024, emphasizes that while net zero must eventually include everyone, the timeline for individual nations should vary. Historical emitters bear a responsibility to reach net zero before the world as a whole. However, this staggered approach presents a significant risk: developing countries could find themselves stranded in the race toward a sustainable future if the transition is not managed with global equity in mind.
The challenge is compounded by the domestic political climate. In the UK, net zero risks becoming a wedge issue, potentially triggering a populist backlash by 2029. Allen warns that climate policy must be justified transparently rather than used as a catch-all excuse for unpopular local initiatives. For instance, he argues that policies like London’s ULEZ, while beneficial for local air quality, should not be conflated with net zero strategies, as this obfuscation undermines public trust and invites political exploitation by figures like Nigel Farage.
Ultimately, the goal is to reach net zero by or soon after mid-century. Allen rejects the notion that we should stop discussing net zero, arguing that such silence is both dishonest and counterproductive to necessary technological investment. He draws on the philosophy of John Rawls, suggesting that humans instinctively prefer outcomes that do not exacerbate inequality. By acknowledging that climate change impacts are profoundly unequal—rejecting the myth that we are all in this together—policymakers can better design inclusive solutions that avoid worsening the power imbalances fueling global conflict.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: A Just and Inclusive Net Zero: Who should get there first? - Myles Allen
- Also: A Just and Inclusive Net Zero: Who should get there first?
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