A Just Energy Transition: Getting Decarbonisation Right in a Time of Crisis

To reduce emissions and address climate change, we need to invest in renewables and decarbonize our energy networks. Ed Atkins' book proposes a different energy transition that prioritizes better jobs, community ownership, and improved homes and lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Reducing emissions and addressing climate change require significant investments in renewable energy sources and the rapid decarbonization of our energy networks. While decarbonization is often perceived as a technical challenge, it is crucial to recognize that it is closely intertwined with issues of politics and social justice. The potential for unfair transitions, where some individuals bear the costs of change while others reap the benefits, cannot be ignored. In his timely and comprehensive book, Ed Atkins raises important questions about the effectiveness of our current decarbonization efforts. He explores the possibility of achieving better outcomes through a different approach, one that prioritizes and leverages opportunities to create better jobs, promote community ownership, and improve the quality of homes and lives.

The book proposes a transformative energy transition that goes beyond mere carbon reduction and seeks to address the broader social and economic dimensions of the problem. Atkins emphasizes the need to involve communities in decision-making processes and to ensure that the benefits of decarbonization are distributed fairly. He suggests that a shift towards decentralized renewable energy systems, community-based energy projects, and smart grid technologies can create employment opportunities, promote community empowerment, and improve energy access in underserved areas.

Furthermore, Atkins advocates for policies that prioritize social justice and equity in the energy transition. He calls for a just transition that ensures that workers who are currently employed in carbon-intensive industries are supported and upskilled to work in new renewable energy sectors. He also emphasizes the importance of addressing the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, such as low-income households, indigenous peoples, and marginalized groups.

In conclusion, "Getting Decarbonization Right: A Different Type of Energy Transition" offers a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities of decarbonization. By proposing a more inclusive and equitable approach, the book encourages us to think beyond technical solutions and address the social and economic dimensions of climate change. It provides a roadmap for achieving a better future, where renewable energy is deployed in a way that benefits people and communities, promotes social justice, and safeguards our planet for future generations.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529220964