A Carbon-Neutral California: Social Ecology and Prospects for 2050 GHG Reduction

How might a large jurisdiction approach carbon neutrality by 2050, and what initiatives might increase the chances of success? This article explores these questions using California as a case study. Current trends as well as multiple modeling studies show that existing policy directions for the stat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Urban planning 2017-01, Vol.2 (4), p.5-18
Main Author: Wheeler, Stephen M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
2050 goals
Air pollution control
Alternative fuel vehicles
Analysis
California
Carbon
carbon neutral
carbon neutrality
Case studies
climate change
climate planning
Climate policy
Consumption
Ecology
Electricity
Environmental policy
Forecasts and trends
GHG mitigation
Global warming
Greenhouse gases
Incentives
Jurisdiction
Laws, regulations and rules
Methods
Neutrality
Planners
Political aspects
Public sector
Social marketing
Social programs
Sustainable development
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Summary:How might a large jurisdiction approach carbon neutrality by 2050, and what initiatives might increase the chances of success? This article explores these questions using California as a case study. Current trends as well as multiple modeling studies show that existing policy directions for the state will not be sufficient. Additional initiatives appear needed to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles, reduce driving, reach 100 percent renewable electricity, convert existing buildings to zero-net-carbon status, change diet, and reduce consumption. The state’s social ecology does not currently support such changes. Consequently, planners and other professionals need to consider strategic actions to change social ecology as well as climate policy. Potential steps to do this include raising the price of carbon; revising the state’s tax system so as to increase public sector capacity; developing a stronger framework of incentives, mandates, and technical support between levels of government; and expanding educational and social marketing programs aimed at behavior change. A main implication of this analysis is that in many contexts worldwide sustainability planners should consider action on both policy and social ecology levels to maximize chances of success.
ISSN:2183-7635
2183-7635
DOI:10.17645/up.v2i4.1077