The case for achieving net zero is high on the agenda for many ahead of COP26 taking place in Glasgow later this year.

However, while strict targets have been put in place by governments around the world, being able to achieve them in a practical sense will take more than switching to different energy sources; it will take a complete change in the way society behaves.

We could meet the net zero target relatively easily – all we need to do is return to 17^th Century living.

Stripped of electricity, technology and almost all modern conveniences, we would achieve a net zero position within months. And then we could move towards real decarbonisation…but decarbonisation of what, and how with no technology or industry?

This is a preposterous solution, of course. But if we are to even consider meeting our 2045 goal, collaboration is going to be vital. Business, local government and individuals will need to work together to find solutions, many of which will be digital.

It’s not possible to grow an economy in a developed nation, meet net zero targets and care for the social wellbeing of the nation without digital solutions. The technology sector has a central role to play in this and it’s vital that we are more straight talking about how we can work together to achieve a greater good.

We are already starting to see moves in the business community where companies are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Last month, Scottish Enterprise announced that companies will be required to demonstrate a commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions and fair work to qualify for financial support.

More recently, Loganair has committed to a carbon offset charge included in the ticket price of every customer’s flight.

The charge is part of the Scottish-based airline’s GreenSkies environmental programme as it commits to being fully carbon neutral by 2040, and funds raised from the charge will be invested in projects across the world to remove the same amount of carbon from the atmosphere as is generated by Loganair flights.

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At an individual level, we are beginning to see a real commitment in reducing our carbon footprint. Whether through recycling, using renewable energy suppliers, or increased awareness of our dietary choices, this willingness to make the many incremental adjustments to our daily lives will pave the way to large-scale societal change.

Digital infrastructure, such as fibre broadband, more mobile masts and 5G, will be key to achieving net zero, and making those required changes a little easier.

We’ve carried out modelling, and have found that for every tonne of GHG emitted to deliver Scotland’s digital infrastructure ambitions, up to eight tonnes of GHG emissions could be saved in the long term.

We have already accepted technology and digital solutions as ways to enhance and streamline our lives – and this should be no different to working towards this collective net zero goal.