Decarbonising Economies

Decarbonising Economies explores how agency, power, geography, and materiality shape the conditions of possibility for a low-carbon future, showing how the challenge of changing our economies is attributed to a lack of finance, technology, policy, and public engagement. It showcases the first seeds of innovation seeking to enable transformative change and charts a course for future research and policy action.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Based on an interdisciplinary investigation of future visions, scenarios, and case studies of low carbon innovation taking place across economic domains, Decarbonising Economies analyses the ways in which questions of agency, power, geography, and materiality shape the conditions of possibility for a low carbon future. It explores how and why the challenge of changing our economies are variously ascribed to a lack of finance, a lack of technology, a lack of policy, and a lack of public engagement, and shows how the realities constraining change are more fundamentally tied to the inertia of our existing high carbon society and limited visions for what a future low carbon world might become. Through showcasing the first seeds of innovation seeking to enable transformative change, Decarbonising Economies will also chart a course for future research and policy action towards our climate goals. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Decarbonising Economies is a groundbreaking book that delves into the complex dynamics shaping the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Through an interdisciplinary approach, it examines future visions, scenarios, and case studies across various economic domains to unravel the factors that hinder and enable this transformative shift. The book identifies a range of challenges, including a lack of finance, technology, policy, and public engagement, as key impediments to achieving a low-carbon future. It goes beyond these surface-level explanations and exposes the deeper roots of the problem, emphasizing the inertia of our existing high-carbon society and limited visions for a sustainable future.

To overcome these barriers, Decarbonising Economies showcases the first seeds of innovation that are poised to enable transformative change. It provides a roadmap for future research and policy action toward climate goals, offering insights into the strategies and approaches that can lead to a sustainable and resilient economy. The book emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need to bridge different sectors and disciplines to address the multifaceted challenges of decarbonization.

One of the key insights of Decarbonising Economies is that the transition to a low-carbon economy requires a shift in power dynamics and agency. It challenges the traditional notion of top-down government intervention and highlights the role of individuals, communities, and businesses in driving change. The book emphasizes the importance of empowering marginalized voices and promoting inclusive and equitable solutions that benefit all stakeholders.

Furthermore, Decarbonising Economies explores the interplay between geography and materiality in shaping the conditions of possibility for a low-carbon future. It recognizes the importance of sustainable land use, renewable energy sources, and the circular economy in reducing carbon emissions and promoting resource efficiency. The book advocates for policies and practices that promote sustainable development, including urban planning, transportation, and agriculture, while also recognizing the cultural and social dimensions of change.

In conclusion, Decarbonising Economies is a vital contribution to the ongoing debate about climate change and sustainable development. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the transition to a low-carbon economy and provides a roadmap for future research and policy action. By highlighting the role of agency, power, geography, and materiality, the book empowers individuals and communities to drive transformative change and build a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Weight: 146g
ISBN-13: 9781108928748
Edition number: New ed