WM-NetZero: A Health-centred systems approach towards Net-Zero: transforming regional climate mitigation policies

Net-Zero policies have multiple and complex impacts across socio-environmental systems, with implications on health. A new policy approach which links Net-Zero considerations with socioenvironmental impacts (e.g., air quality, physical activity), and expresses both in terms of optimal health outcomes – rather than legal compliance – can deliver the best outcomes.

The overall aim of WMNZ is to transform regional Net-Zero policy solutions by adopting a healthcentred systems approach. WMNZ is co-designed with West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), local authorities, Defra, and community stakeholders to address three “live” policies in the WM

1. Decarbonising regional transport
2. Net Zero Neighbourhoods
3. Energy innovation

WMNZ will first develop a new toolkit (Climate-LAT) integrating environmental exposure modelling, health / economic modelling and participatory systems mapping tools. We will apply this tool to the West Midlands as an exemplar to demonstrate the wider benefits of health-centred systems approach to Net-Zero policies.

The WMNZ team, supported by two full-time researchers embedded in policy organisations, will integrate science evidence from observations, modelling, and public involvement into systems maps, and translate this evidence into policy domains. With the new toolkit and science evidence, the WMNZ team, particularly policymakers, will directly contribute to regional Net-Zero policy decisions, delivering transformative impacts.

For more information, please visit the WMNZ project website at www.wm-netzero.org.uk

 

West Midlands has a diverse population of
~2.9 millions, the second largest in the UK.
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) was set up in 2016. WMCA is made up of 17 local councils and 3 local enterprise partnerships (LEPs).

 

 

These local councils have full voting rights on any decision we make:

 – Birmingham City Council

 – City of Wolverhampton Council

 – Coventry City Council

 – Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

 – Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

 – Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

 – Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council

Research Objectives

The objectives of WMNZ are:

  • O1 Enhance staff development, diversity, inclusion, and transdisciplinary collaboration

  • O2 To establish systems maps for key Net-Zero policies

  • O3 To generate a new health-centred toolkit for  climate policy solutions

  • O4 To provide evidence base to influence Net-Zero policy development and implementation in the WM

  • O5 To provide support for WMCA and local authorities on evolving policy needs

  • O6 To co-produce Net-Zero policies and create wider impacts across the UK and other G7 countries

  • O7 To inform ongoing research and to encourage behavior change / polity uptake

Project Team

  • Principal investigators: Professor Zongbo Shi (University of Birmingham-UoB), Dr. Jackie Homan (West Midland Combined Authority-WMCA), Dr. Suzanne Bartington (UoB)

    Co-applicant organisations: University of Surrey (Surrey), Clean Air Fund (CAF), Sandwell Council

    Collaborating organisations: Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Birmingham City Council (BCC), Coventry City Council (CCC), CERC, University of York (York), WSP-UK, Solihull Council