Local, place-based governance for net zero: a review and research agenda

Net zero is widely perceived to be a societal challenge that cannot be addressed through business as usual but requires active governance aimed at societal transformation. In the UK, three quarters of all local authorities have declared climate emergencies, yet local action on net zero remains slow and uneven. Transforming local governance so that it is capable of organising to deliver change at a speed and scale commensurate with net zero targets is proving problematic. In this commentary the reasons why are explored. Using a narrative review method, informed by contemporary thinking on Transformative Innovation Policy, the commentary critically examines a growing body of knowledge on local, place-based governance of net zero, which has emerged at the interface of policy and practice in the UK since 2019. The review synthesises this evidence into seven place-based governance challenges and identifies extant obstacles and opportunities in navigating towards more effective governance arrangements. Collectively these challenges highlight the importance of organising to deliver change, not just organising the delivery of change, and the guiding role of the state in the process. The commentary concludes by setting out future research avenues.