737. The Net Zero Systems Tool
Invited abstract in session WB-50: Systems Thinking 4, stream Systems Thinking.
Wednesday, 10:30-12:00Room: Parkinson B11
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Gillian Harrison
|
| Department for Transport |
Abstract
The ‘Net Zero Systems Tool’ (NZST) is an interactive systems thinking tool, which allows users within UK government departments to develop their understanding of interventions related to achieving net zero. The characteristics of the net zero challenge – requiring action by multiple parties across complex sectors, delivery at pace, and management of large uncertainties – underline the need for strong coordination in policy development, as well as a need to take a systems approach to navigate this complexity. Systems thinking has been gradually embedded into civil service practises over the previous few years. The NZST will not only become a standard toolkit component, but also support the further embedding of ST into everyday practises.
Based on system dynamics principles of causal loop diagrams, the NZST supports the understanding of interrelationships between variables, allowing users to see how other variables in the system (over five sectors: transport, energy, buildings, industry and land use) are impacted when making policy changes in a particular area, either to gain an appreciation of wider system impacts when developing policies or in the monitoring and evaluation of existing policies. The NZST is not a predictive model, but helps guide knowledge sharing and commission further research and analysis. The tool will empower both cross-government and inter-department collaboration, which enacts policies that brings us to our net zero target.
Keywords
- System Dynamics and Theory
- Transportation
- Energy Policy and Planning
Status: accepted
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