Transitioning to low carbon futures is one of the greatest challenges for humans. Policy makers, researchers and organisations face the future challenge to mitigate carbon emissions whilst maintaining lifestyles and livelihoods. Social determinants and socio-political arrangements add to the complexity of alternative solutions for low carbon futures. Research under this heading explores efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to address environmental risks, and move towards low-carbon futures in a sustainable, effective, and equitable manner. Studies include neoliberalism and carbon trading, public perceptions of changing their diets (to low- or no-meat) reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable practices within the tourism industry. 

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Key areas of research include:

 

Climate governance 

• Intersections between climate change and environmental co-governance arrangements between governments and Indigenous peoples

• Discourses of zero and low-carbon within policy-making

• Indigenous governance and management approaches 

• Climate justice and Indigenous treaties 

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Mitigation policies and practices

• Aotearoa New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme and implications for Māori whanau, hapū, and iwi

• Indigenous energy futures and climate mitigation 

• Mainstreaming climate mitigation 

• Urban mobility and sustainable transitions 

 

Perceptions, values, and change

• How different knowledge systems and cultural values shape people's perceptions of and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Public concerns about climate change and value-action gap​