INTENTIONAL AND RESPONSIBLE ENERGY TRANSITIONS: Integrating Design Choices in the Pursuit of Carbon-Neutral Futures

Clark A. Miller, Yiamar Rivera-Matos, Angel L.Echevarria Barreto, Gary Dirks

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The transitions of energy systems to carbon neutrality are among is one of the most ambitious, complex, uncertain, significant, and transformative projects in human history. They will therefore demand extraordinarily thoughtful, informed, and careful leadership. In recent years, this project has reached an important turning point, with widespread agreement to decarbonize energy systems by 2050. We argue that the next step is to engage leaders in doing the work necessary to achieve that goal. Specifically, we argue that regional leaders, across sectors, should build collaborative initiatives to intentionally and responsibly design and advance regional energy transitions. These transitions will entail navigating uncertain and unknown terrain, requiring diverse organizations and communities to work together to chart and construct potential pathways, assess their implications, and collectively work to make progress. To address these challenges, we recommend adopting region-first, anticipatory, justice-oriented approaches. In such approachesthis process, regions can collaboratively identify, deliberate, design, and navigate toward endpoints along complex and shifting pathways that recognize that design will matter. Efuture energy systems will deeply shape and be shaped by the futures of both societies and economies. Transitions will therefore need to be inclusive, to provide broad public input into both how to proceed with transitions and the goals that guide their design.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationRoutledge Handbook of Energy Transitions
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages353-370
Number of pages18
ISBN (Electronic)9781000806335
ISBN (Print)9781032023502
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences
  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance(all)
  • General Business, Management and Accounting
  • General Engineering

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