Net Zero

What is net zero?

Governments and organisations are setting targets to reduce GHG emissions to “net zero” in efforts to mitigate climate change. Net zero can also be called "carbon neutral". Both mean deep reductions of GHG emissions with any residual emissions offset by removals of GHG emissions, either direct sequestration or through the purchase of carbon offsets/credits.  

Local authority climate emergency

Aether is working with local authorities to support them plan for net zero. We recognise that local authorities have a key role in climate action implementation and with the best knowledge of the needs of their citizens and opportunities of their area, are well placed to influence emissions. However, successful responses to climate emergencies need to be evidence based and framed by data. With a focus on long term action tracking and public and private engagement, Aether can help decision makers coordinate, focus and prioritise the “call to action”.

To understand the critical pathways to act on the climate emergency it is first necessary to understand the current emissions and the projects which could shape emission reduction. Data gives us the power to make the right decisions and maximise return on investment. Aether’s Carbon Scenario Model includes historical data and analysis of plausible future climate action scenarios and policies to reach net zero. The tools equip decision makers to demonstrate the current challenge and progress to date, identify gaps and prioritise options for future action. Aether offers bespoke modelling solutions of climate action underpinned by decades of experience to support cities and local authorities to help define and shape climate emergency declarations.

The road to net zero

Climate action can’t be viewed in isolation. To develop net zero roadmaps we lead discussions on the reduction pathways and options available related to level of ambition, technology and behavioural change, and the required order of actions and investments to enable sustained change. 

Relevant approaches to prioritise actions are already well known, such as the energy, transport and waste hierarchies. These must be supported through local enabling actions which should be set in place early. Linking strategy to implementation plans is crucial and we review current policies and how these can be transformed to enable progress to net zero.

Stakeholder engagement and forums such as citizen assemblies are central to the successful design of climate action. The priorities, needs and ambitions of the community inform the future pathway and give the confidence local governments or businesses need to set priorities and make long-term commitments.

We also analyse the wider impacts of net zero climate action, assessing the co-benefits and synergies possible with other strategic priorities, to garner cross-departmental support. Potential conflicts can be identified to minimise issues and maximise implementation sucess. You can read more about our wider impacts analysis here.

Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it...

“The Aether team were a joy to work with and I would recommend the consultancy - the service provided throughout the process was exceptional. Where there were problems, they provided solutions. The team were working to very short time scales but were able to deliver a high quality piece of work within the specified time frame.”

Sefton Council - for the Merseyside Atmospheric Emissions Inventory

“I must congratulate each of you for your professional and tireless efforts. Let me point out that this has been the 'neatest' in-country review expert review team I have coordinated, and it has been a real pleasure.”

UNFCCC Secretariat

“The Aether team were a joy to work with and I would recommend the consultancy - the service provided throughout the process was exceptional.”

Clare Bayley, Defra

“It is always an absolute pleasure working with Aether. I always know what is expected of me. Their work ethic is of a very high standard and projects are always handled in a very professional manner. I have learnt many skills in terms of project management, quality control and workshop training styles from Aether and I hope to carry these principles forward in my own work. I look forward to collaborating with Aether more in the future.”

Luanne Stevens, Gondwana

“Aether's approach to couple innovative visualisation with high expertise manpower delivered valuable insights for our inventory work.”

Umweltbundesamt (Germany)

“We have been collaborating with Aether for several years, and our projects have greatly benefited from it. Aether staff are very knowledgeable, professional and flexible - and last but not least, very friendly and a pleasure to work with.”

Umhverfisstofnun, Environment Agency of Iceland

“The professional service provided by your company was of very high quality and completed within agreed timelines.”

Matthew Dudley, UNFCCC Secretariat

“Professional team and very collaborative communication. Effective result in terms of suggestions for improvement in the quality of the inventory and proposals on how to streamline specific topics.”

Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research

“Aether delivered training workshops and generated learning materials for our SSN members, providing technical content in a manageable and comprehendible format. We particularly benefitted from their extensive knowledge and ability to interpret the needs of our members into the training materials.”

Jennifer Anderson, Sustainable Scotland Network

“Both the face-to-face training and the online version have been of high quality, with dynamic methods and a practical orientation that have allowed students to reach a solid knowledge base. The products have been delivered within the stipulated deadlines with an excellent quality and the team has always shown willingness to make adjustments according to the requirements of CONAF. We are very satisfied with the work. ”

Javier Cano Martín, Professional Unit for Climate Change and Environmental Services, CONAF (National Forestry Corporation), Chile

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