Applying the social inclusion framework to net zero transport policies
The social inclusion framework for Net Zero aims to ensure that all members of society can participate in a just transition to net zero, particularly those at risk from social exclusion (Middlemiss et al., 2023). In this assignment, I will apply this framework to the issue of low-income communities' lack of access to net zero transport strategies to better understand this problem through the lens of social justice.
A growing body of research shows that the transition to net zero often involves trade-offs between social, environmental and economic factors (Middlemiss et al., 2023). The concept of a 'just transition' is essential here, defined by the UN as 'ensuring that no one is left behind or pushed behind in the transition to low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economies and societies’ (United Nations, 2023). Within this concept, significant gaps remain in knowledge and practice, especially the effects of the net zero transition on everyday life and the lack of integration of justice concerns on policy within net zero (Middlemiss et al., 2023).
These knowledge gaps are evident in net zero transport policies, as explored in P1. For example, current net-zero transition policies, such as Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), fail to ensure that all members of society can participate fairly (Adebola, 2023). The £12.50 fee for non-compliant vehicles pushes struggling families deeper into financial burdens. Statistics show that 2 in 5 state that lack of affordable transport is a barrier in getting a job (Bourne, 2012), highlighting how net zero transport strategies often exclude low income members of society, and even push some towards social exclusion. A key principle of the social inclusion framework is that social exclusion is relative, as one can 'only be excluded in relation to the circumstances around them’ (Middlemiss et al., 2023). This perspective is helpful in understanding the details of why and how these policies can lead to social exclusion: the 'relativity' aspect demonstrates how exclusion is dependent on how the policies are designed and is a direct outcome of regulations that only focus on certain segments of society.
The social inclusion framework not only helps understand how current net-zero policies can contribute to social exclusion and do not align with the concept of a 'just transition', but this framework also helps clarify how net zero transport policies can be utilised as a tool to understand and reduce inequalities. For example, opportunities exist to better integrate low-income communities by investing in accessible green transport, which could simultaneously address economic and social disparities while providing low-carbon transportation options (Middlemiss et al., 2023). As discussed, there is a high risk of social exclusion in net zero policies, so to enable full participation by all members of society, robust and effective infrastructure must be put in place to ensure accessibility for everyone.
To conclude, the social inclusion framework for net zero is essential when evaluating net zero transport policies, especially concerning low-income individuals, due to the high risk of social exclusion. ULEZ is an example of how the transition to net zero does not yet align with the concept of a just transition, and the social inclusion framework helps highlight the importance of integrating social inclusion into net zero policy and planning in order to prevent negative effects associated with the net zero transition.
Reference List
Adebola, S. 2023. Is the ULEZ expansion unfair to low-income families? The Common Sense Network. [Online]. [Accessed 23 October 2024]. Available from: https://www.tcsnetwork.co.uk/is-the-ulez-expansion-unfair-to-low-income-families/.
Bourne, R. 2012. Org.uk. [Online]. [Accessed 23 October 2024b]. Available from: https://bettertransport.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/legacy-files/research-files/transport-and-poverty-literature-review.pdf.
Middlemiss, L., Snell, C., Morrison, E., Chzhen, Y., Owen, A., Kennedy, K., Theminimulle, S. and Carregha, T. 2023. Conceptualising socially inclusive environmental policy: a just transition to Net Zero. Social policy and society: a journal of the Social Policy Association., pp.1–21.
United Nations 2023. Just Transition. Www.un.org. [Online]. [Accessed 5 November 2024]. Available from: https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/CDP-excerpt-2023-1.pdf.