Faster, broader, and deeper! Suggested directions for research on net-zero transitions

Abstract The growing attention to the political goal of achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century reflects past failures to alter the trajectory of increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a consequence, the world now needs to decarbonize all systems and sectors at an unprecedented pace. This commentary discusses how the net-zero challenge presents transition scholarship with four enhanced research challenges that merit more attention: (1) the speed, (2) breadth and (3) depth of transitions as well as (4) tensions and interactions between these. Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract Governments, cities and companies are increasingly adopting goals of reducing GHG emissions to net-zero by mid-century to limit global warming, but concrete and credible plans to achieve these goals are largely absent. This commentary article suggests directions for research on net-zero transitions that can ultimately inform and support formulation of concrete net-zero plans. We discuss several research topics including how transitions can move faster with attention to both new technology and new social practices and ways of living the variety of systems and sectors, the interactions between them, and the social tensions that can emerge in the face of rapid change.