Net Zero in Peril? The case for a new low carbon social contract in the UK

We’re excited to host a thought-provoking session featuring Donal Brown. Donal is a Senior Researcher at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford, UKRI Future Leadership Fellow and serves as Sustainability Director at the low‑carbon consultancy Sustainable Design Collective. A specialist in sustainable housing, energy systems and energy demand, he has delivered policy consultancy on retrofit and renewable energy for the Welsh Government and the UK Labour Party.

🗣 Talk Title: Net Zero in Peril? The case for a new low carbon social contract in the UK

Join Us for the latest of the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities (SISC) seminar series!

This event is the latest in our seminar series, which brings together researchers, practitioners and community leaders to explore bold ideas for building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.

Abstract

Net Zero represents an opportunity to regenerate our communities; reduce energy, housing, and transport costs; and build social cohesion and greater prosperity. However, most people in the UK have felt their living standards worsen for over a decade. Far right parties are capitalising on this discontent, and are blaming decarbonisation and broader progressive agendas for this malaise. The mainstream low carbon policy regime is failing to address the material concerns of low- and middle-income communities, through an over reliance on private ownership, market mechanisms, and individual choice as the driver of change. I will argue that, without a course correction, net-zero, and the decarbonisation agenda is in existential peril in western nations like the UK. This new strategy must overcome shibboleths surrounding public and community ownership, and introduce progressive universalist principles in the provision of energy, housing and transport - a new ‘low carbon social contract’. Implementing this strategy will require a radical departure from the macro-economic and fiscal consensus which has prevailed in the UK since the late 1970s

🕒 Time: 12:30–13:30

The room will be open from 12:00 to 14:00 to allow for attendees who would like to bring their own lunch / tea and coffee and for informal networking before and after the seminar (12:00-12:30 and 13:30-14:00).

📍 Location: SBS Meeting Room CW4.05

Directions:

• Enter the Stenhouse Wing of building at 199 Cathedral Street, map here.

• Take the stairs (or lift through the double doors) to floor 4.

• Follow the signs for 'Cathedral Wing', through the double doors and turn to your right. The room will be on your left.

For online attendees, use the following link to attned the event:

Meeting ID: 365 502 290 563 3

Passcode: dE7Ha9eX

🗓 Upcoming Seminar Dates (also held in StathUnion from 12:00-14:00) can be found here.

*Note:If you are not a member of staff at the University of Strathclyde, please select the ticket option “Non-staff of the University of Strathclyde.” Please note that non-staff attendees may participate virtually only.

*Photography & Marketing Please note that photos may be taken during this event and could be used for marketing and promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to the use of your image in such materials. If you do not wish to appear in any photos, kindly let us know in advance or inform a member of the team during the event.

If you have any queries please contact [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Host or Publisher Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities