Description
The world is at a pivotal crossroad in energy choices. There is a strong sense that our use of energy must be more sustainable. Moreover, many also broadly agree that a way must be found to rely increasingly on lower carbon energy sources. However, no single or clear solution exists on the means to carry out such a shift at either a national or international level. Traditional energy planning (when done) has revolved around limited cost projections that often fail to take longer term evidence and interactions of a wider set of factors into account. The good news is that evidence does exist on such change in case studies of different nations shifting toward low-carbon energy approaches. In fact, such shifts can occur quite quickly at times, alongside industrial and societal advance, innovation, and policy learning. These types of insights will be important for informing energy debates and decision-making going forward. Low Carbon Energy Transitions: Turning Points in National Policy and Innovation takes an in-depth look at four energy transitions that have occurred since the global oil crisis of 1973: Brazilian biofuels, Danish wind power, French nuclear power, and Icelandic geothermal energy. With these cases, Dr. Araujo argues that significant nationwide shifts to low-carbon energy can occur in under fifteen years, and that technological complexity is not necessarily a major impediment to such shifts. Dr. Araujo draws on more than five years of research, and interviews with over 120 different scientists, government workers, academics, and members of civil society in completing this study. Low Carbon Energy Transitions is written for professionals in energy, the environment and policy as well as for students and citizens who are interested in critical decisions about energy sustainability. Technology briefings are provided for each of the major technologies in this book, so that scientific and non-scientific readers can engage in more even discussions about the choices that are involved.
About the Author
Dr. Kathleen M. Araujo is an Associate Professor at Boise State University in the School of Public Service, Director of the Energy Policy Institute with the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, and Books Series Editor for Routledges Studies in Energy Transitions. Dr. Araujo specializes in strategic decision-making and planning associated with energy-environmental systems change. She teaches and consults on better practices associated with innovation, resilience, industrial development, and security. She earned her PhD at MIT, and completed post-doctoral research at Harvard.
Reviews
We are heading to a low carbon economy, both nationally and globally, and at an accelerated pace. Innovation and informed decision-making will be needed in technology, policy and regulation, and business models, all aligned for deep decarbonization on a generational time scale. Dr. Araujo's integrative approach will provide important insights for those shaping the low carbon future. * Ernest J. Moniz, 13th Secretary of Energy, USA *
The remarkable growth in clean energy investment over the last decade has been driven by policy and technology. The unique cases addressed by Dr. Araujo provide critical lessons as the world transitions to low carbon energy. * Mohamed El-Ashry, Senior Fellow, Energy and Climate, UN Foundation and Former CEO and Chairman, Global Environment Facility (GEF) *
This well-researched and clearly written book begins with a rationale for transitioning to low carbon energy and a theoretical discussion of factors that can enable and constrain such a change.... This book will be of use and interest to researchers, students, and practitioners focusing on energy systems and sustainability. * J. L. Rhoades, CHOICE *
In a world with fear for climate change, this book offers some ground for optimism. It presents insights into how national energy systems have been radically transformed. This book will be of interest not only for students and decision-makers. It shows that all citizens have a role to play in the transition process and, perhaps most importantly, that change is possible. * Bengt-Ake Lundvall, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Aalborg University, Denmark *
An essential reading for all interested in transformative energy change. This book presents comprehensive, case studies of radical change in energy systems, within a broader context of the history and theory of energy-systems evolution. It provides valuable insights into how radical change can be achieved. * Nebojsa Nakicenovic, Deputy Director General/Deputy Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria *
It is increasingly clear that our pursuit of sustainable development and climate change goals is driving a great energy transition. Dr. Araujos compelling narrative deftly weaves together history, theory, and practice, providing an optimistic guide for all those who want to take well-informed action now on low carbon change, and to do so with confidence. * Mark Radka, Chief, Energy and Climate Branch, UN Environment Programme *
The key challenge in energy policy has become to transform national energy systems towards a low carbon paradigm. For this, scholarly debates are in need of comparative studies informed by primary data, subscribing to principles of rigorous academic inquiry. This book perfectly delivers on these fronts. * Andreas Goldthau, Professor of International Relations, Centre of International Public Policy, Royal Holloway, University of London, United Kingdom *
This book provides a fascinating and detailed account of the energy transition experience of four countries. By looking at the technical and social, economic and political factors involved, it teaches us about the complexity of any major change. A valuable lesson in these times of major shifts and redesigns in technology, energy, lifestyles and institutions. * Carlota Perez, Professor of Technology and Development, Nurkse Institute, TUT, Estonia, and Author of Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: the Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages *
Book Information
ISBN 9780199362554
Author Kathleen Araujo
Format Hardback
Page Count 398
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 816g
Dimensions(mm) 157mm * 236mm * 33mm
About the Author
Dr. Kathleen M. Araujo is an Associate Professor at Boise State University in the School of Public Service, Director of the Energy Policy Institute with the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, and Books Series Editor for Routledges Studies in Energy Transitions. Dr. Araujo specializes in strategic decision-making and planning associated with energy-environmental systems change. She teaches and consults on better practices associated with innovation, resilience, industrial development, and security. She earned her PhD at MIT, and completed post-doctoral research at Harvard.
Reviews
We are heading to a low carbon economy, both nationally and globally, and at an accelerated pace. Innovation and informed decision-making will be needed in technology, policy and regulation, and business models, all aligned for deep decarbonization on a generational time scale. Dr. Araujo's integrative approach will provide important insights for those shaping the low carbon future. * Ernest J. Moniz, 13th Secretary of Energy, USA *
The remarkable growth in clean energy investment over the last decade has been driven by policy and technology. The unique cases addressed by Dr. Araujo provide critical lessons as the world transitions to low carbon energy. * Mohamed El-Ashry, Senior Fellow, Energy and Climate, UN Foundation and Former CEO and Chairman, Global Environment Facility (GEF) *
This well-researched and clearly written book begins with a rationale for transitioning to low carbon energy and a theoretical discussion of factors that can enable and constrain such a change.... This book will be of use and interest to researchers, students, and practitioners focusing on energy systems and sustainability. * J. L. Rhoades, CHOICE *
In a world with fear for climate change, this book offers some ground for optimism. It presents insights into how national energy systems have been radically transformed. This book will be of interest not only for students and decision-makers. It shows that all citizens have a role to play in the transition process and, perhaps most importantly, that change is possible. * Bengt-Ake Lundvall, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Aalborg University, Denmark *
An essential reading for all interested in transformative energy change. This book presents comprehensive, case studies of radical change in energy systems, within a broader context of the history and theory of energy-systems evolution. It provides valuable insights into how radical change can be achieved. * Nebojsa Nakicenovic, Deputy Director General/Deputy Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria *
It is increasingly clear that our pursuit of sustainable development and climate change goals is driving a great energy transition. Dr. Araujos compelling narrative deftly weaves together history, theory, and practice, providing an optimistic guide for all those who want to take well-informed action now on low carbon change, and to do so with confidence. * Mark Radka, Chief, Energy and Climate Branch, UN Environment Programme *
The key challenge in energy policy has become to transform national energy systems towards a low carbon paradigm. For this, scholarly debates are in need of comparative studies informed by primary data, subscribing to principles of rigorous academic inquiry. This book perfectly delivers on these fronts. * Andreas Goldthau, Professor of International Relations, Centre of International Public Policy, Royal Holloway, University of London, United Kingdom *
This book provides a fascinating and detailed account of the energy transition experience of four countries. By looking at the technical and social, economic and political factors involved, it teaches us about the complexity of any major change. A valuable lesson in these times of major shifts and redesigns in technology, energy, lifestyles and institutions. * Carlota Perez, Professor of Technology and Development, Nurkse Institute, TUT, Estonia, and Author of Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: the Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages *
Book Information
ISBN 9780199362554
Author Kathleen Araujo
Format Hardback
Page Count 398
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 816g
Dimensions(mm) 157mm * 236mm * 33mm
