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The British Academy’s Governance to Accelerate Net Zero report highlights that reaching net zero is a systemic challenge requiring strong democratic governance, collaboration and public participation. It argues that fragmented governance, strained finances, and eroding trust are slowing progress, but leaders can accelerate action through eight “governance accelerators” including collaborative leadership, addressing inequalities, just transitions, and people-centred approaches.
Drawing on three years of research and over 200 stakeholder contributions, the report stresses that local, regional, and national leaders must embed place-sensitive, multi-actor governance that connects government, communities, and intermediaries. It calls for strategies that go beyond behaviour change, foster transparency, build trust, and sustain public support by linking climate action to tangible social and economic benefits.
Ultimately, the report concludes that net zero requires a whole-systems, people-centred transformation, with governance mechanisms that harness collective action across society. Five strategic priorities are proposed: strengthen coordination, deepen collaboration, unlock connected knowledge, close gaps between publics and policymakers, and remove barriers to participation. These, it argues, are essential to accelerate progress, deliver fairer outcomes, and sustain momentum towards the UK’s net zero targets
