Net Zero through the Maelstrom: Professional Practice During a Time of Turbulent Change

Abstract

The net zero transition is a rapidly emerging process of technical change that now faces social, economic and political transformations to enable this rapid transition. The Edgar Allan Poe short story, Descent into the Maelstrom, is used to show that jumping off the business-as-usual ship onto barrels is the only way to survive. Suggested barrels for net zero professional practice are new net zero standards reflected in new processes and regulations for business accounting, energy, urban and transport planning, as well as new approaches for the just transition and Indigenous/local engagement. Australian examples are provided to show the beginning of such a maelstrom process to illustrate the significance of this agenda and emerging new professional practice.