Challenges in Transitioning the UK to ‘Net-Zero’ – Some observations from Housing and Transport, Aalto University, 30.8.2024
Journey away from a reliance on fossil fuels and lower or net-zero-carbon existences. In the United Kingdom, two of the biggest sectors where reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are imperative are domestic transport and housing. Between them, these two sectors contribute over 40% of current CO2 emissions in the country. This talk reports on recent and ongoing work which is exploring some of the wider challenges and issues facing the UK as it tries to decarbonise these sectors. It will explore the spatial and social dimensions in housing decarbonisation, accounting for considerable variation in housing stock and who inhabits it across the country, highlighting where policymakers may focus their attention to accelerate improvements. It will also trail some new and ongoing research using activity-based transport models to help inform regional efforts to decarbonise travel alongside equity considerations in shifting to electric private vehicles and how these models can be used to support improvements in public mass transit.