Carbon structural adjustment: designing, motivating, and delivering an economy-wide transition to low greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract

This thesis investigates how ambitious targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved through a number of structural adjustments that are effectively underpinned and appropriately expedited by government in wide consultation and collaboration across society. The thesis presents a model for carbon structural adjustment and investigates key areas for increasing the willingness to adjust structures across economies, namely: industry led performance standards, community behaviour change, and renewal of higher education programs.