Net Zero: Why Places Are Falling Short and What Can Be Done with Jonny Birkett

In this episode, we interview Jonny Birkett, Managing Partner (Joint) at Genecon Ltd, to take a hard look at whether places can truly meet their net zero targets—and why we believe the answer is no. Drawing on 2022 studies, we explore just how far places are from achieving their ambitious climate goals, examine why these commitments were made, and uncover the flaws in current strategies.Jonny highlights the councils that are leading the way and what sets them apart, while also discussing the challenges that have emerged and what can be done to overcome them. From establishing baselines to effective monitoring and evaluation, we outline how places can better shape their net zero journey.We also examine the role of climate action planning, how it aligns with or diverges from governmental priorities, and why strong, cohesive policy support is critical. Finally, we discuss what the future holds and why, despite the hurdles, hope is not lost in the race to sustainability.Join us for an insightful conversation on the realities of achieving net zero targets and the steps that can be taken to overcome the challenges and drive meaningful progress.