Over the past year the community ‘think and do' organisation I work at, The Young Foundation, has partnered with Luton BC to help ensure that the town's journey to net zero is equitable, inclusive, and grounded in the needs and priorities of local residents. Community conversations supported information from our GoZero Index, a tool that maps how ready different places across England are for the transition to a fair and equitable net zero future, by bringing together more than 30 datasets – spanning housing, transport, health, employment and social data. This collaboration is a brilliant example of how local authorities can play an active role in supporting a fair and just transition to net zero, tailored to their area.
‘What does net zero mean for me?' a resident asked during a community conversation. It's a simple question, and one that gets to the heart of a critical challenge; while net zero is often framed in technical or scientific terms, its success ultimately depends on people's (and a place's) circumstances, resources and readiness to act. For Luton BC, there is a recognition that achieving net zero is not just about reducing carbon emissions, but about taking climate action that is fair and improves the daily lives of residents.
