1、Pathways to systems changeJames MeadowcroftSchool of Public Policy,Carleton UniversityPathway Principal,Transition AcceleratorAPRIL 17,2024Outline1.Net zero:A paradigm shift2.Systems and transitions 3.Defining pathways and acting strategicallyNet zero:A paradigm shiftWhy is net zero a challenge?Foss
2、il fuel dependance but also process emissions Energy,materials,agriculture Negative emissions technologies are uncertainGetting as close as possible to zero everywhereThis requires significant change to systems of social provisioningSo,we need to shift from a pollution control paradigm(finding lowes
3、t cost short term emissions reductions)to a focus on system change.Systems and transitionsIncremental and more dramatic changeTransitions:are multi-dimensional and multi-actor involve both innovation and decline are uncertain and messy display distinct stages are guided by visions and narratives hav
4、e significant distributive impacts typically involve government Key implications for the response to climate changeNot one transition but manyImportance of paying attention to what else is going on in the systemPatterns of change will differ by sectors and regionsPolicy should take account of theses
5、 differences and of the phases of transition.Not one policy tool but many with the mix changing over time.Issues of equity are unavoidableThe test for policy(or action generally):does it accelerate desired system change?Time,learning cyclesReconfiguration of system,alignment with new regulatory arra
6、ngements,full adjustment with other technologies and practicesChange faces many structural obstaclesEmergenceDiffusionReconfigurationExperimentation,niche development,learning.New technologies are more expensive and display functional disadvantagesLarge scale adoption:cost reductions,functional impr