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justice analysis

Category
Net Zero 2
Date

Social inclusion is the process of expanding opportunities and enhancing the abilities of disadvantaged individuals and groups to fully participate in society (Cobigo et al, 2016). This approach considers various identification types, areas and degrees of inclusion, making it essential for achieving net-zero goals, particularly in the realm of food justice (Middlemiss et al, 2023). The concept of social inclusion offers a vital framework to address the factors that contribute to social inclusion, helping to uplift marginalized communities, reduce inequality and foster social cohesion (Cobigo, 2016). Concerns have been raised about the potential for net-zero transitions to disproportionately affect those who are already disadvantaged. A socially inclusive approach to net zero must account for existing inequalities and recognize that individuals and communities are starting from different places (Middlemiss et al, 2024). Achieving inclusivity in net-zero plans will require targeted efforts and resources to ensure that no group is left behind in the transition.

 

While there is urgency to act on net-zero goals, there are significant gaps in our understanding of what a truly "just transition" entails. The concept of a just transition is often narrowly focused on employment and the needs of communities dependent on carbon-intensive industries (Wang and Lo, 2021). However, a growing body of literature is expanding this focus to include food justice under net-zero objectives, emphasizing that a fair and equitable transition must also address the accessibility and sustainability of food systems is required (Wang and Lo, 2021).

 

The primary risk for social exclusion under the net zero food targets is economic participation (Middlemiss et al, 2023). As sustainable and organic foods often come with high upfront costs, households- particularly low-income ones- will require either some sort of capital or affordable credit to access them. Currently, affordable and nutritious food options are already scarce for these groups, a disparity likely to increase as net-zero policies intensify, potentially stigmatizing those unable to participate in sustainable practices (Middlemiss et al, 2023). Therefore, this framework acknowledges these marginalised groups who are often disproportionately affected by environmental issues and food insecurity, preventing them from participating in sustainable practices such as purchasing locally sourced produce.

 

Secondly, representation. Visions are often shaped by governments or academics, such as environmental and climate change experts (Bray and Ford, 2021). This can marginalize the voices of those directly impacted, whose unique perspectives and experiences are crucial for developing inclusive and equitable solutions. This leads to reinforcing existing inequalities reproducing poverty and disadvantages (Bray and Ford, 2021). Therefore, this framework highlights the importance meaningful participation and empowerment of marginalised communities in the decision-making processes. This involves providing these communities with a platform to voice their concerns, share knowledge and actively contribute to shaping food systems that are sustainable and accessible.

 

Lastly, the framework highlights the importance of building strong social networks and community resilience. Effective, inclusive net-zero transitions requires collaboration between different stakeholders such as farmers, consumers, policy makers and community organizers (Falana et al, 2023). By working together, these groups can foster more supportive and resilient food systems that can help protect marginalised communities during the transformation to a net zero future.

 

In conclusion, the social inclusion framework offers a multifaceted approach to tackling food justice issues within net-zero targets. It acknowledges the disproportionate impact of a net-zero future on marginalized communities and makes it clear that it is crucial to acknowledge diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes.

 

References

  • Bray, R. and Ford, R., 2021. Delivering a just transition to net zero: Whose role is it anyway?.
  • Cobigo, V., Brown, R., Lachapelle, Y., Lysaght, R., Martin, L., Ouellette-Kuntz, H., Stuart, H. and Fulford, C., 2016. Social inclusion: A proposed framework to inform policy and service outcomes evaluation. Inclusion, 4(4), pp.226-238.
  • Falana, J., Osei-Kyei, R. and Tam, V.W., 2023. Towards achieving a net zero carbon building: A review of key stakeholders and their roles in net zero carbon building whole life cycle. Journal of Building Engineering, p.108223.
  • 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, 22(4), pp.763-783.
  • Middlemiss, L., Snell, C., Theminimulle, S., Carregha, T., Morrison, E., Chzhen, Y., Kennedy, K. and Owen, A., 2024. Place‐based and people‐centred: Principles for a socially inclusive Net Zero transition. Geo: Geography and Environment, 11(2), p.e00157.
  • Wang, X. and Lo, K., 2021. Just transition: A conceptual review. Energy Research & Social Science, 82, p.102291.