Leaving Fossil Fuels Underground: The Social Justice Implications Related to the Distribution of Fossil Fuels
Abstract: The urgency to mitigate climate change and limit global warming to 1.5ºC necessitates significant emission reductions, as highlighted by COP28’s global stocktake. Municipalities play an important role in facilitating these reductions in pursuit of Net Zero. This thesis aimed to examine and understand the role of municipalities in enabling households to reduce their emissions through various practices and the promotion of Net Zero. This research seeks to understand the specific initiatives, policies, and programs implemented by municipalities to support households in reducing their carbon footprint and transitioning to sustainable practices. Following a mixed-methods research design based on interviews, a survey and policy documents, a case study of the municipalities Hillegom, Lisse, Teylingen, Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht was utilised to answer the overarching question: In what way do municipalities promote Net Zero and enable households to reach Net Zero in general, and with specific reference to four Dutch municipalities in the Randstad? An extensive literature review revealed knowledge gaps in (a) the influence of the municipality on enabling households to reach Net Zero and (b) how municipalities promote Net Zero to households. Addressing those gaps, the research revealed municipalities utilise a variety of promotion channels and instruments to influence households to take steps towards Net Zero and that despite those efforts numerous barriers prevent households from taking these steps. Additionally, despite the municipalities’ efforts, a significant proportion of households have not been successfully informed about their options for reducing emissions. The research concludes that despite municipalities’ efforts in promoting sustainable measures to reduce emissions through a mix of traditional and innovative initiatives, Net Zero is far from being achieved as the primary focus has been on emission reductions, neglecting counterbalancing of residual emissions. Besides, a significant proportion of households is yet to be informed and made aware of their options. However, municipalities have been enabling the households that are aware to take steps in reducing emissions, thereby taking steps towards Net Zero. If municipalities are genuinely committed to getting their households to Net Zero, they must focus on the households left unaware and include counterbalancing options.