The ‘net zero’ carbon needs ‘billions of zeros’ capital. But what about cheaper solutions?

Abstract

Time flies, as CO₂ and global temperatures continue to rise rapidly. We can no longer rely on expensive and unachievable or long-delayed new technologies, requiring investment and development to reduce carbon emissions in future decades. Current geopolitical uncertainties are looming while climate change and food insecurity are increasing, and the world's economy is struggling following the two most recent major crises of COVID and war in Europe. Here, emphasis is placed on the demand-side role of urban populations to influence carbon emissions. Focusing on two key carbon emitters – the agricultural and transport sectors, contributing a third of global greenhouse gas emissions combined – a few existing and well-established practical ‘soft’ measures are suggested, in addition to emission reductions. These measures can be implemented effectively at no or little extra cost, while new digital technologies can contribute to managing our daily carbon emissions.