UK’s Net Zero Initiative Assignment Sample

To assess the policies and practices of net zero initiatives undertaken within UK

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1. Introduction to UK’s Net Zero Initiative Sample

1.1 Background

In current times, due to protect the environment and safeguarding the health and well-being of the people all the countries and organizations are focusing towards the sustainability and implements net zero initiatives. For reducing the greenhouse gas emission and carbon emission, UK implemented the net zero strategy in 2022. Transformation towards the net zero initiative is beneficial for the UK because it positively impacts on its climate change, enable economic growth and job creation opportunities, increase energy security and resilience, protecting the natural and environmental resources. Adoption of net zero will also provide various operational benefits to the UK’s government because it helps in attract investments, reduce costs, increase engagement of customers and facilitates the development of growth and brand. On the other hand, for achieving the net zero by 2050 the UK government frame wide range of policies and plans which rules and regulations are followed by all the companies and others. However, implementing the net zero initiative is not an easy for the UK government because they may experience wide range of challenges such as creating resilient nature market, executing carbon capture technologies, creating science-based targets and addressing social as well as political realities. The term net zero refers to cutting carbon emissions to a small amount of residual emission that can be captivated and durably stored by the various carbon dioxide removal measures and nature to leaving zero in the environment.

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In November 2022, UK joined the government initiative of net zero as a signatory or partner. This initiative is led by the United States and their participants agreed to build and publish a road map to bring the emission to net zero by 2050. For removing the net zero, the government of the UK is using various strategies encompassing replanting and technological developments like storage and carbon capture. As per the view of Satola et al, (2022), accomplishing net zero is significant in resolving the climate crisis and need several measures such as essential changes in land use, energy systems and industrial processes. Achieving net zero has wide range of benefits to the society and environment of the UK. Investing in the transitioning to sustainable practices, nature-based solutions, reducing carbon emission and clean energy sources can helps in eliminate the adverse impact of the climate emergencies encompassing sea levels, higher temperature, limited admittance to food and water as well as more extreme weather events (Gudde et al, 2021).

1.2 Aim and objectives

Aim

The aim of the research is to evaluate the policies and practices of net zero initiatives undertaken within UK.

Objectives

  • To assess the concept of net zero and its significance
  • To evaluate the impact of net-zero initiative within the UK
  • To examine the policies and practices related to net zero initiative framed by the UK government
  • To recommend methods of overcome negative impact of net-zero initiative

Purpose of research

The key purpose of the current study is to assess the impact of net zero initiative within the UK as well as their relevant practices and policies. This research will provide comprehensive and significant information regarding the benefits of transforming towards the sustainability and implementing net zero initiative within the country.

Significance of research

The current research will be significant because it helps in evaluating the importance of net zero initiative for the UK and the business which are operating the business operation in this country. This research will be important because it helps in provide complete information relevant practices and policies undertaken by the UK government in order to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions (Sivropoulos-Valero and Van Reenen, 2023). The research will be useful for the government of other countries as well as organizations to way of reducing greenhouse and carbon emissions.

Rationale of research

The rationale behind current research is evaluate the policies and practices undertaken by the UK government in relation to net zero. In present time, all the countries and companies are transforming towards the net-zero because they are likely to manufacture sustainable products to protect the environment and safeguard the health and well-being of the people.

Research questions

  1. What is net-zero and its importance?
  2. How net zero initiative is impacted the UK?
  3. Which policies and practice of net zero initiative undertaken by the UK government?

1.3 Structure of review

The literature review will organize by considering all factors such as economic, social and environmental in illustrative and descriptive manner in order to gain better understanding. The literature review also highlights various policies in order to reduce the negative impact of pollution on the environment and economic growth and development.

2. SOCIAL FACTOR

2.1 Public health

Air pollution and public health are interrelated with each other and it is risk for specific disease and all-cause mortality. Air pollution directly effects the health and well-being of the public and it increases risk of heart disease, respiratory infections, lung cancer and stroke. The UK government introduced various policies to protect the environment from pollutions and various gases. To protect the environment from pollutant gases the UK government also create a plan of transport decarbonisation. The key aim of this plan is decarbonize the whole system of transport within the UK. This plan of the government includes pathway to net zero transport within the UK, delivering various benefits of net zero transport and principles that underpins its approach. This plan published in March 2020 by the UK government and it confers the scale of further reductions require to deliver contribution of transport to net zero by 2050 (Bennadji et al, 2022).

Creating this plan positively impacts on the economy of the UK by reducing the carbon gas emissions. After creating this plan the emission of transport drastically fell in 2020. The UK government is decarbonising all forms of transport to meet the net zero targets which enables more individuals to cycle and walk which helps in tackling the climate change. On the critical note Greaves et al, (2022), to reach the net zero the UK government is putting all the efforts to make all the vehicles such as coaches and buses as green as possible (Department for transport, 2022). This policy is effective because it helps in protecting the health of the public by transforming the transpiration vehicles into electric. On the other hand, at the time of implementing this policy the companies of the UK is facing the challenges relevant to requirement of infrastructure and regional disparities.

2.2 Employability and social equity

As said by Barrett et al, (2022), transitioning towards net zero economy demonstrates the economic opportunities and job creation. Emerging sectors like renewable energy, nature based projects and green infrastructure can helps in experiencing growth, boosting UK’s economy and generating new employment opportunities. As critically argued by Allen et al, (2022), accomplishing net zero can be multifaceted and complex issue for the UK because it needs transformative changes across various industries of the economy. For achieving the net zero carbon emission, the UK is require to create nature markets which is challenging for it (Hale et al, 2022).

Nature based solutions such as afforestation, reforestation and soil carbon sequestration as well as creation of biodiversity or plastic credits requires verification and strict oversight and well as continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term effectiveness. Implementation of net zero initiative is constructive for the UK government because it also has various operational advantages to the business. In the present environment, it can be significant for the business to emphasis on sustainability because it helps in attracts investments. If the business demonstrates a commitment towards the sustainability then it helps in differentiates themselves from the rivalries and attract investment from the accountable investors (DeAngelo et al, 2021). Focuses on sustainability is beneficial for the companies of the UK because it assist in reduce costs, engage customers and development of brand and growth.

Apart from this, for reskilling the employees the UK government conduct national retraining scheme. It is considered as digital device that helps the individuals to understand their present skills, discover alternative occupations and determine to the training they require to admittance opportunities for various good jobs. This program is effective because it helps in increase knowledge and improve skills of the people in regarding protection of environment and safeguard health of the people. However, the UK government face various social equity issues such as regional inequalities and admiitance to reskilling at the time of conducting program.

2.3 Community engagement

For achieving the net zero initiative it is crucial to have contribution of the people of UK’s community. Community engagement is important because the transition to net zero is probable to influence individual’s social life because of requirement of leisure, localise work and social activities.

As critically contended by Bakkaloglu et al, (2024), the commitment of the UK government towards the net zero is valuable because it helps in increase energy security and resilience. This initiative includes diversifying the energy sources and minimizing dependency upon the fossil fuels so it assists in enhancing the resilience and energy security of the UK while reducing carbon emission (Broad, Hawker and Dodds, 2020). The government of the UK is also making the huge investment in the renewable energy that helps in accomplishing net zero emissions. As critically opposed by Tsiropoulos et al, (2020), implementing net zero initiative is challenging for the UK’s government because they have to implement wide range of carbon capture technologies. In addition, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is challenging for UK government to because it includes high costs, varying effectiveness and protracting the energy transition. On the other hand, for achieving the net zero targets, the UK government is also contract with the Offshore renewable energy (ORE) Catapult which is one of leading hub of the UK for innovation. This hub will provide support to the offshore energy companies of the UK to reach its targets of net zero. According to British Energy Security strategy, the key targets of the UK government are for substantial growth in the offshore wind and targeting 40GW by 2030. As critically argued by Ullah, Arshad and Nekahi (2023), achieving net zero will be challenging task for the wind industry because they will need generation of utility-scale renewable energy and big-data driven enhancements in controlling, understanding and collaboration to protects ocean and ultimately planets.

For increase the engagement of community and support the UK government will require to focus on sustainability which helps in improve their health and well-being as well as also protects the environment.

3. ECONOMIC FACTORS

3.1 Industrial competitiveness

The UK government introduced various policies which help in reduce the negative impact on the economic growth and development of the country. To meet the net-zero targets, the UK government is also publishing industrial decarbonisation strategy. It is considered as first strategy that launched by the major economy that sets outs the way of decarbonise in line with the net zero. As critically contended by Hammond (2022), by Publishing this strategy, the key aim of this UK government is to thriving the industrial sector aligned with the net zero target without pushing business abroad and emission (HM Government , 2021). Following all the rules and regulations of this strategy can be beneficial for the companies of the UK because it helps in improving costs savings and financial performance, enhance customer loyalty, brand reputation, gain competitive advantage in the market and increase operational efficiencies as well as reduce overheads which ultimately positively impacts on the overall effectiveness and process (Mazhar et al, 2024). In current times, the customers are likely to purchase the products from the companies which are majorly focuses on sustainability and net-zero emission. This policy is effective for the companies of the UK which are majorly focusing on eco-friendly and sustainability because it aids in enhance financial performance and cost savings as well as enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty. This strategy also helps the organizations to gain competitive advantage, reduce overheads and operational efficiencies which positively impacts on profitability of companies and leads to economic growth and development.

According to Greaves et al, (2022), if the companies are focusing towards net zero initiative of the UK then it provide the opportunities of winning and retaining business, reducing costs, innovating and providing new climate friendly products and services. The net-zero strategy is also providing the opportunities of appealing to employees, improving reputation and image with the stakeholders and customers, improving admittance to capital which ultimately positively impacts on the overall operation and efficiency (van der Spek et al, 2022).

Impact of climate change on GDP of the UK

Figure 1: Impact of climate change on GDP of the UK

(Source: Salas, 2023)

Figure 1 depicts that the economic influenced to the UK caused by the climate change is anticipated to be around 7.4% of the GDP by 2100 present policies which negatively impacts on the overall growth and development (Salas, 2023) .

Apart from this, the current initiative has significant impact on the large and small industries by reducing the greenhouse and carbon emissions. On the other hand, at the time of implementing this strategy, the companies are facing the issue of financial support but it helps in reducing regulatory burdens .

3.2 Energy prices and security

Transforming towards the renewable energy has significant impacts on the energy prices. Due to rapid use of technologies it decreases the prices of energy which leads to reduce cost of electricity as well as profitability.

As critically assessed by Allan et al, (2020), Emphasis on net zero initiative is advantageous for UK because it helps in reducing carbon footprints which create the economic opportunities by creating the jobs and establishing new industries in several sectors. The UK government implement wide range of initiatives to accomplish the net zero targets. The key aim of the government is to minimize direct emissions from buildings of private sector by 50 and 70% by 2032 and 2037 correspondingly. Net zero initiative has significant impact on the lifestyles and behaviours of the people who live within the society of the UK. The pollute environment is significantly impacts on the health and well-being of the people so adoption of net zero initiative is beneficial for the UK because it aids in reduce significant amount of harmful emissions that contributes towards the global warming.

For accomplishing the net zero targets and safeguards the health and well-being as well as behaviours and lifestyle of the society’s people, the UK government implements various policies. On the other hand, to meet the net zero targets, the government of the UK designs wide range of policies. The UK government published the British Energy Security strategy on 7th April, 2022. The key purpose of this strategy is to hasten the UK towards the energy independent future and low carbon. As per the view of Wu and Skye (2021), this strategy was launched in reaction to concern over the affordability, security and sustainability towards the energy supply of the UK. Along with this, the strategy emphasis on expanding the energy supply of the UK alongside commitments to remove coal imports and Russian oil by the end of 2022. In this policy, the UK government is committed to commissioning a scientific review of extraction of shale gas, plans to build four new utilisation carbons capture and storage clusters by 2030 (Mawhood, 2022).

By developing this policy, the UK government is also commitment to increase targets for generation of low-carbon power in comparison to preliminary targets in the Energy White paper. In this policy, to meet the net zero targets, the UK government is also proposed for more than 40% reduction in consumption of gas by 2030. On the critical note Khalifa et al (2022), accomplishing the net zero targets is not an easy task for the UK government because it involves various challenging factors such as infrastructure hurdles, market constraints, capital stock turnover, natural system impact etc. that limits the accomplishment. This policy is effective because it helps in safeguarding the health and well-being of the people by reducing the greenhouse gas and carbon emissions within the country.

3.3 Investment and economic growth

Along with this, for setting the targets of net zero emission, the UK is government is using model i.e. UKAIM (UK integrated assessment modelling). This model helps in setting the targets for minimizing PM 2.5 emission within the UK. This model is looking at different methods to cut the pollution until 2050 by creating the different plans. Moreover, for achieving net zero targets, the UK government is also focusing on energy demand reduction (EDR) (Sivropoulos-Valero and Van Reenen, 2023). For accomplishing the net zero targets by 2050 it is important for the UK government to reduce the energy demand. According to Satola et al, (2022), adoption of this initiative will be beneficial for UK government to accomplish net zero targets because it aids in reduce fossil fuel which is relied on the greenhouse gas emission as well as also minimize the pressure on other climate levers.

Apart from this, to remove the greenhouse gas emission from the atmosphere, the UK government launched net zero strategy in 2021 which set out a various commitments and policies that framed to facilitate the UK to reach net zero by 2050. This strategy encompasses measures to deliver reductions of emissions in order to meet the targets up to sixth carbon budget. The net zero strategy also set outs the proposals and policies for decarbonising all the industries of the UK in order to meet the commitment of the government of net zero (Gudde et al, 2021). For protecting the environment and safeguarding the health of the people by reducing greenhouse gas emission, the UK government also create the net zero growth plans which set out on update to the accessible strategies, emphasis on the deployment and scale up technologies for decarbonising power, homes, transport and industries.

As critically contended by Allan et al, (2020), implementation of net zero initiative by the UK government is also helpful for the companies because it aids in improving business reputation, reduce costs, attractive investment, enable security and resilience and gain competitive edge over the competitors. Net zero helps the organizations to combat the increase in greenhouse gas emission by reducing the carbon emission and adopting the sustainable practices. Along with this, net zero can include several business practices and operations such as products and services, distribution and shipping as well as premises and operation (Kalghatgi, 2021).

For achieving the net zero, it is crucial for the companies to focus on insulation of the overall operation and increase the engagement of the employees to use public transport. For reducing the carbon emission, the companies of the UK are focussing on the distributing and shipping by deliveries made through electric vehicles and packaging made from recycled raw materials. On the critical note Barrett et al, (2022), if the companies are not focusing on sustainable manufacturing process and products as well as distribution and shipping then they are unable to achieve target of net zero. Execution of carbon neural practices is useful for the companies because it helps in improve the overall reputation. In present time, the customers are anticipate from organizations to make the potential and informed ethical decisions on their behalf which aids in increase their loyalty (Allen et al, 2022).

4. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

4.1 Carbon emission reduction

to protect the environment by meeting net zero, the UK government is also making the agreement with the Paris. The key purpose of Paris agreement is to reinforce the global reaction to climate change threat by holding the international temperature increase below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. As critically said by van der Spek et al, (2022), Paris agreement helps the UK in meeting the net zero targets by bringing all the nations into the common cause in order to undertake ambitious efforts to battle climate change and adopt its influences with support to help developing countries. Furthermore, for meeting the net zero targets successfully, the government of UK is also committed to transitioning to net zero emissions vans and cars (Valenzuela and Lezaun, 2024). In this policy, the prime minister is announcing that all the new diesels and petrol cars as well as vans will be phased out by 2030. Execution of this initiative will be beneficial for the UK in order to achieve net zero targets because it helps in improving the air quality and deliver carbon reduction. As critical argued by Jeudy-Hugo, Re and Falduto (2021), execution of this initiative will be challenging task for the UK government because it require high costs, emerging technologies and skilled expertise.

In 21st century, the influence of climate change has become a common a common challenge because it demanding the attention from every industry of society. Embracing towards the net zero approach is beneficial for the companies because it evolves the preferences of the consumers towards the sustainability and providing opportunities for market differentiation as well as cost savings with the help of effective operation and attracting investments from investors and stakeholders seeking practices of environmentally responsible. As per the thought of Khalifa et al, (2022), net zero strategy aids in talent acquisition and retention which positively impacts on the overall operation and business functions. This strategy helps in retaining the talent for long duration by developing the brand image of the companies within the competitive market with the help of protecting environment and minimizing pollution. Businesses which committing towards the net zero is find themselves in a favourable position in order to attract and retain top talent. The people are likely to employ in the company which as significant contribution towards the net zero initiative of the UK. Apart from this, the net zero initiative of the UK has significant impact on the overall operation of the business. This initiative will change the behaviours of the consumers and increasing government regulations (Bennadji et al, 2022). For example, the leading UK companies such as British Petroleum, IKEA, Unilever, Sainsbury and shell are already committed to reduce the greenhouse emissions to set the targets for reaching towards net-zero in the supply chain.

4.2 Biodiversity and natural resource management

Along with this, in the UK achieving net-zero carbon emission is necessary because it aids in overcoming the worst influence of the climate disasters (Kalghatgi, 2021). This initiative helps UK is providing health benefits to the people by reducing air pollution. This helps in reducing the air pollution by shifting away from transport and energy production which are powered fuel by focusing towards the electric vehicles which leads to reduce nitrogen dioxide emission and particulates. Focusing towards net zero initiative is valuable for the UK because it helps in protecting the environment and natural resources. The transition to net zero benefits towards the environment requires utilising and preserving the natural resources (Anika et al, 2022).

Proper management of forests and land as well as responsible use of water resources plays an immersive role in generating carbon offset credits and reducing carbon footprints. According to Mavrigiannaki et al, (2021), it can be favourable for the UK’s government to emphasis on sustainable forest and land management to reduce carbon emissions because it aids in preserving the biodiversity and natural resources. On the critical note Rosenow and Eyrev (2022), according to this policy implementing the net zero initiative is challenging task for the UK government because they requires creating the science-based targets. This type of targets is significant in setting the goals related to emission reduction that aligns with the agreement and principles proved by the climate science. However, this needs global cooperation and action from the private sector and government as well as establishment of standardised methodologies for measuring reduction and emission (Sun et al, 2021).

Share of respondents who are concerned about climate change within UK

Figure 2: Share of respondents who are concerned about climate change within UK

(Source: Salas, 2023)

From the above figure it has been identified that, only 43% people were fairly concentrate about the climate change and implement net zero initiative framed by the UK government. For achieving net zero by adopting natural based solutions, the companies are focusing on reforestation, biodiversity conservation projects and peatland restoration.

4.3 Technological innovation

Emerging technologies plays immersive roles in achieving net zero. With the help of emerging and new technologies the UK government can optimize ways of using the energy in the businesses, homes and processes in order to reduce costs and emissions. In addition renewable emergy is considered as one of the key technology that helps in achieving net zero. It helps in providing energy from the natural resources that are refilled on human timescale. At the time of implementing technologies, the companies face issues of huge investment, requirement of skilled workers etc.

For achieving the net zero, the companies of the UK can require to participate in carbon offsetting schemes such as sourcing raw materials from local suppliers, tree planting, tackling wasted destined for landfills and reduces emissions from food miles. As critically assessed by Hale et al, (2022), transforming towards the sustainability is beneficial for the companies because it helps in reduce costs by lowering the bills. For achieving the net zero by reducing greenhouse gas or carbon emission, the organizations of the UK can require to install renewable energy generators like solar panels. The organizations are also reducing their costs by switching towards the electric vehicles for the delivery and shipping. On the other hand, reducing the greenhouse gas and achieving net zero is useful for the companies of the UK because it helps in attract more investment which eventually positively. Becoming net zero business is attractive for the shareholders and investors because they are looking for the organizations with the sustainable strategy of long-period (Bakkaloglu et al, 2024).

Generally, the investors are likely to make their investment in the companies which are less depends on the fossil fuels. The business operation with the sustainable practices is less probable to disrupt in the supply chain’s event. However Broad, Hawker and Dodds (2020), focusing towards the sustainability also aids the organizations to enable security and resilience. Aiming for net zero can make the companies to more resilient against national disruption or market. For example, in the UK majority of the companies are likely to use electric vehicles to achieve net zero because it assist in protecting their business operation from disruption in fuel supply chain and rising fuel costs. The businesses of the UK are also emphasis towards implementing alternative energy supplies such as wind or solar which helps the business to shield them from unpredicted increase in the energy costs.

Apart from this, outing efforts towards the sustainability is beneficial for the companies because it helps in gaining the competitive edge towards the competitors. The interests of the customers are increasing towards the companies with sustainability credentials, from the packaging of goods to the carbon footprints of produce (Tsiropoulos et al, 2020). In modern times, the customers are likely to pay extra for the sustainable or environmental products to protect the atmosphere and safeguard their health and well-being. The companies which can represent progress and an authentic commitment towards the net zero are more attractive towards the customers who are climate conscious and increase the sales at the expenses of rivalries.

As critically said by Anika et al, (2022), this sustainable changes will helps the companies in reskilling their workers and development of effective supply chain. Labour markets of the UK will adapt to make sure that workforces will be skilled and qualified to deliver the transition to net zero and allow them to benefits from the economic and job opportunities. However, as critically argued by Mavrigiannaki et al, (2021), the transformation to net zero will need essential modifications to accessible supply chains. It will be time-consuming process for the companies to develop the new supply chain because they require to building new business models and capacity for the integration of low-carbon technologies.

Moreover, commitment towards the net zero of the UK provides opportunities to the policy makers for the continuous learning. As said by Rosenow and Eyre (2022), the net zero targets will assist the policy makers to determine suitable and cost-effective approaches to accomplish goal. On the critical note Sun et al, (2021), the transformation towards the net zero will require to modifications towards the accessible and development of new infrastructure. Moreover, the acceptance of low-carbon technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) will non-existent and limited until the essential charging infrastructure is in place (Gudde et al, 2021). For accomplishing net zero targets, it is crucial for the UK government to have support of business and public. It is necessary because it will need essential investments and commitments from the households and organizations. As critically opposed by Satola et al, (2022), for the transforming towards the net zero the UK government will require social changes. The change toward net zero needs considerable lifestyle changes and policies require obligations form citizens in order to be efficient.

These modifications usually take time and can be challenging to accomplish. In addition, accomplishment of net zero initiative will be costly for the UK government because it require to designed wide range of policies (Jeudy-Hugo, Re and Falduto, 2021). For example, for accomplishing the net zero initiative the UK government will need offer subsidies and grants to incentivise low carbon investments. Achieving the net zero targets will be beneficial for the UK government because it helps in reduction of greater emissions over time. As per the view of- Greaves et al, (2022), reducing the greenhouse gas emission enables greater enhancements in natural and human environments such as biodiversity. As critically argued by Wu and Skye (2021), achieving the net zero targets by 2050 will be challenging for the UK government because it will be delays in economic benefits and operating cost savings.

5. CONCLUSION

5.1 Summary of findings

From the above literature review, it has been concluded that, in the present time all the countries are organizations are transforming towards the sustainability by implementing net zero initiative to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. The main motive of the UK government is to protect the environment and safeguard the health of the people by providing sustainable goods and services. So in 2022, the UK government launched net-zero initiative by undertaking the various policies and practices. The UK government is also making the huge investment in the natural-based solutions, sustainable practices, clean energy sources and reducing the carbon emission which helps in eradicating the negative influence of the emergencies related to climate.

Commitment of the UK towards the net zero by 2050 will be beneficial for them because it helps in protecting the health of the people by reducing air pollutions. For accomplishing the net zero, the UK government is also making the investment in renewable energy that helps in reducing greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. For achieving this goal, the UK government is focusing on proper management of land and forests as well as efficient utilisation of water which helps in reduce carbon footprints. On the other hand, shifting towards the sustainability by implementing net-zero initiative is beneficial for the companies because it helps in gaining competitive advantage over competitors, attract investments, reduce costs, increase engagement of the customers and enable growth and development of the brand.

5.2 Implications for policy and practice

For achieving the net zero initiative by 2050 the UK government is designing wide range of strategies and policies such as British Energy Security strategy, transport decarbonisation plan, industrial decarbonisation strategy, Paris agreement which helps in reducing the carbon and greenhouse gas and carbon emission. The UK government is also sign a contract with the Offshore Renewable energy (ORE) catapult to reach by the net zero targets by making investment in renewable energy. Apart from this, for setting the target of net zero emission, the UK government is also adopting one critical model i.e. UKAIM (UK integrated assessment modelling). In the present environment, the investors are likely to make the investment in the companies which have significant contribution towards the net zero or sustainability. On the other hand, implementing net zero initiative is not an easy task for the UK government because experiencing various challenges such as executing carbon capture technologies, creating resistant nature markets, creating targets of science based and addressing the political and social realities.

5.3 Recommendations for future research

Prior study has been conducted in the context of net zero initiative of the UK. This research is also highlighting the benefits of these initiatives to the country and companies for growth and development. But in this research, the researcher has not been emphasis on significant policies which are developed by the government for reducing carbon emissions. This proposal will assist in determining significant policies and methods which are adopt by the UK government to transform towards net zero.

5.4 Final thoughts

According to me, the net zero initiative of the UK has significant impact on the overall progress. This initiative helps in protecting the environment and safeguards the health of the people. For achieving the net zero by 2050 all the companies will require to transform towards the sustainability and adopt technologies.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research philosophy

Research philosophy refers to various assumptions and beliefs that are framed by the researcher to gather and evaluate the data in reliable manner. Positivism and interpretivism are considered as two significant types of the research philosophies (Kirongo and Odoyo, 2020). For conducting the research on the particular topic i.e. UK’s zero initiative the researcher will be use interpretivism philosophy. For conducting the study in the effective way, it will be crucial for the researcher to consider the viewpoints of other people by utilising interpretivism philosophy.

Research approach

Research approach is critical process that is undertaken by the researcher to collect, evaluate and interpret the data in concise manner. Inductive and deductive are considered as significant research approaches that are used by the researcher to complete the study in effective way. Inductive is bottom to up while deductive is top to down research approach that helps the research to collect and evaluate the data and information in efficient way (Pandey and Pandey, 2021). In present study i.e. UK’s zero initiative, the researcher will be use inductive research approach. To completing the research in effective way, adoption of inductive approach will be useful for the researcher because it helps in promoting flexibility from which they freely determine new concepts about particular topic and execute new theories and policies.

Research methods

Research methods encompasses significant strategies, process and techniques that are utilised by the researcher to gather the data and evidences for the assessment to uncover the new data and information as well as create better understanding of particular topic i.e. UK’s zero initiatives. Along with this, qualitative and quantitative are significant methods that are used by researcher to conduct study in successful way. In the context of current study, to collect the information and data reliably the researcher will be initiate qualitative method (Vebrianto et al, 2020).

Data collection

Data collection is considered as one of the significant procedure of gathering and calculating the information or data related to particular topic i.e. UK’s zero initiative in accurate manner. Additionally, primary and secondary are considered as significant methods of data collection. For conducting the present study on UK’s zero initiative, the researcher will be focus on secondary data collection method. For gathering the secondary data and information, the researcher will be use various existing sources such as articles, books, journals, magazines etc (Thunberg and Arnell, 2022).

Data analysis

Data analysis is significant process of executing statistical and logical tools and techniques in effective and systematic manner to describe, recap and evaluate the data. In addition, thematic, SPSS and content are significant methods of data analysis. For the present study i.e. UK’s zero initiative the researcher will assess the qualitative data by designing the themes in effective way.

Ethical consideration

For completing the study in successful way, the researcher will be followed all the policies, rules and regulations relevant to the specific topic. The researcher will be collect information and data related to UK’s zero initiative by maintaining confidentiality. In current study, the researcher will comply all the directions and guidelines to eliminate the unethical activities.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Background

For reducing the greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, the UK government is emphasis towards the sustainability by making the commitment of achieving net zero targets by 2050. This commitment means total emissions from greenhouse gas will be equal to the emissions removed from the environment with the objectives of limiting global warming and resultant change in a climate. For accomplishing these objectives the UK government developed net zero strategy in 2021 which set out a series of commitments and policies to facilitate the country to reach the targets. On the other hand, in 2023, the UK government also create net zero growth plan which set out updates to the accessible strategies, emphasis on deployment and scale up technologies for decarbonising power, homes, transport and industry.

Aims and objectives

The key aim of the current research is to evaluate the policies and practices related to net zero initiatives introduced by UK government.

Objectives

  • To assess the meaning and importance of net zero
  • To evaluate the influence of net-zero initiative on the companies of UK.
  • To examine the policies and practices related to net zero initiative developed by UK’s government
  • To recommend methods of overcome negative impact of net-zero initiative

Purpose of research

The key purpose of the research is to assess the various practices and policies undertaken by the UK government. This research will also help in providing the complete and significant information relevant to impact and benefits of the net zero initiative to the UK.

Significance of research

The current research will be significant because it aids in provide comprehensive information in descriptive way (Sun et al, 2021). This researcher will be useful for the companies which are likely to transform its operation towards the sustainability. This study will be useful for the other researcher to conduct the study on the particular topic in effective way.

Research Rationale

The key rationale behind the current research is to evaluate the impact of net zero on the improvement and growth of the countries as well as various policies and practices undertaken by them. In modern times, all the countries and organization are shift towards the sustainability by investing in the renewable energy and natural resources.

Research questions

  1. What is net-zero and its importance?
  2. How net zero initiative is impacted the UK?
  3. Which policies and practice of net zero initiative undertaken by the UK government?

CASE FOR SUPPORT

Research philosophy

Interpretivism and positivism are regard as two critical types of the research philosophies that will be used by researcher to conduct the study in descriptive and successful manner. For completing the current study in the context of UK’s net zero initiative, the researcher will be focus on interpretivism research philosophy. The research will be use this research approaches because it aids in identifying the motivation, social situation and mind-set of the individuals (Bergmann, 2023). For conducting the study in effective way, it is essential for the researcher to understand the suggestions which will be possible by using interpretivism philosophy.

Research approach

Inductive and deductive are significant approaches of the research. For conducting the research on the significant topic i.e. UK’s net zero initiative the researcher will be used inductive research approach. This approach is bottom to top approach and in this the researcher will use data to identify the patterns and relationships to form policies and theories related to UK’s net zero initiative (Al-Ababneh, 2020).

Research design

Research design is defined as strategy that includes incorporation of several elements in research in logical and systematic way. In addition, descriptive and exploratory are recognized as critical types of research designs (Tosoni et al, 2020). In the context of current study i.e. UK’s zero initiative, the researcher will undertake exploratory research design to understand the research problem or issues in descriptive and effective way.

Research methods

Qualitative and quantitate are considered as critical type of research methods. For collecting the data or information regarding the practices and policies of the net zero initiatives of the UK, the researcher will be use qualitative research method. On the basis of this, by assessing the underlying policies and practices related to net zero initiative the results of the study will be demonstrated.

Data collection

Primary and secondary are significant types of data collection methods. For collecting the data and information in the context of particular topic i.e. UK’s net zero initiative the researcher will be use secondary method. In this method, this researcher will collect the data about the particular topic by using various sources such as books, journals, magazines and other published resources (Posada-Quintero and Chon, 2020).

Data analysis

Content, SPSS and thematic are the key methods which are used by the researchers for evaluating the gathered data in reliable and accurate way. For conducting the current study, the researcher will be use thematic analysis in which they interpret the data by framing the various themes.

Ethical consideration

In course of carrying out the study, the searcher will ensure that all the activities will be performed under ethical consideration. The researcher will also consider another activity i.e. confidentiality of data while conducting the research in effective way.

IMPACT

The current research activities i.e. UK’s net zero initiative has significant potential economic, societal and scientific impact. The net zero strategy has an immersive impact on the economic growth and development of the UK. There is important government ambition to accomplish bet zero in the UK by 2050 this helps in creating the economic opportunities and economic costs. In addition, the net zero activity already forms a major part in the economy of the UK. This initiative of the UK helps in creating innovation led and high value opportunities of employment as well as attracting foreign direct investments. The net zero economy spans wide range of emerging and new sectors such as carbon captures, renewables and green finance as well as more traditional and developed industries such as manufacturing. The emerging sectors which are focuses on net zero have made significant contribution i.e. £74 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA)in 2022-23 which is equal to 3.8% of the economy of the UK (ECIU,2024).

On the other hand, net zero initiative of the UK has an immersive impact on the society. The net zero initiative positively influence on the health and well-being of the community. By promoting the sustainable transportation option and reducing air pollution, societies can enjoy the cleaner air which leads to enhance respiratory health and minimization in related illness. Additionally, embracing net zero strategy encourages the engagement of the community and promotes the social connections. Collaborative efforts such as local sustainability initiatives, shared renewable energy projects helps in bringing people together. Furthermore, net zero initiative also helps in improving resilience by reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and boosting self-sufficiency. Societies that embrace measures of energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and sustainable practices are better equipped to reduce vulnerability to the fluctuations of price and improve the competency to adapt to changing climate.

WORK PLAN AND RESOURCES

Activities

Days

Milestone

Select topic

2

1st August to 2nd August

Making proposal

4

3nd August to 7th August

Conduct literature review

3

8th August to 11th August

Selection of research strategies and methods

2

12 and 13th August

Gathering secondary data through published sources

4

14th August to 18th August

Data arranging and evaluating

2

19th August to 20th August

Seeking the feedback from tutor

1

21st August

Undertaking changes

1

22nd August

Final submission

1

23rd August

Various resources will be require to complete the research in successful and effective manner. The resources includes books, laptop, stationary items, artifacts, internet communication, journal articles, interviews, records of UK government, survey research, websites, proceedings of meetings etc. These resources will provide complete information in relevant to net zero initiative of the UK from which researcher will conduct the research in descriptive and effective way. For conducting the research on any particular it will be crucial for the researcher to use significant equipment’s such as Grammerly, Google scholar, plagiarism checker etc. In addition to this, there are various costs will be included in the conducting research such as transportation costs, data gathering costs etc. For collecting the data the researcher will to use various primary and secondary resources which will be costly for the research.

Transportation costs

£5

Stationary costs

£ 2

Data gathering costs

£ 7

Total

£ 14

REFERENCES

Books and Journals

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Author Bio
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Jazmine McCullough   rating 4 years | MBA

Hello, students. I am Jazmine McCullough. I am a professional writer of management academic papers. When I was in university, pursuing my MBA degree assignments used to haunt me a lot. That's why I have written this blog to make sure that students don't face the issues I used to face. Alongside this, I also offer my assistance to students in completing their assignments. With 4+ years of experience in this field, I can assure you the best quality for your projects.

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