Michael J de Smith
In this work we examine two of the major contributors to energy consumption and global greenhouse gas emissions: transport and the built environment. In this connection our title, “Towards Net Zero”, embraces the efforts made by individuals, organizations, national governments and international agencies to reduce the level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from all sources, including transport and the built environment. These efforts to reduce GHG emissions are being combined with programs designed to offset residual emissions by absorption or ‘capture’ of carbon dioxide, in order to achieve a “net zero” or “nearly net zero” carbon emissions position.“Towards Net Zero” has been arranged into two distinct but closely related “Books”, each of which is preceded by brief Timeline diagrams: Book One is sub-titled “A Geospatial and Historical Perspective: How Did We Get Here?”. In Book Two, sub-titled “An Economic and Environmental Perspective: Where are We Heading?”, we take a look forward to the future of critical services and infrastructure. 3
