Leadership in the pursuit of net-zero emissions: overcoming barriers and embracing strategic innovation

Purpose To examine leadership challenges to net-zero emissions and strategies to overcome economic, technological, social and political barriers. Design/methodology/approach Adopts a qualitative study, of secondary data, including scholarly articles, international organization reports and examples, using thematic analysis to identify leadership practices driving climate action and sustainability. Findings The study highlights the critical role of transformational and collaborative leadership in overcoming barriers to net-zero emissions. Key strategies include long-term vision, inclusive leadership and the integration of digital technologies, circular economy models and behavioral science to accelerate sustainability and drive climate action. Research limitations/implications While offering valuable insights, further research using primary data is needed to explore sector-specific leadership challenges, political leadership’s role and the impact of gender, diversity and inclusion on climate leadership effectiveness. Practical implications The findings underscore the necessity of adaptive leadership, strategic collaboration and sustainability-focused decision-making for policymakers, business leaders and community organizers, helping them navigate the challenges of transitioning to a net-zero economy and ensuring the long-term success of climate policies. Social implications This study stresses the need to address social concerns about the effects of climate action on jobs and communities, advocating for inclusive leadership that promotes wide-ranging engagement to ensure the social legitimacy and equity of net-zero transitions. Originality/value The research advances the understanding of climate leadership by proposing innovative solutions to achieving net-zero emissions.