Forests as Fuel: Energy, Landscape, Climate, and Race in the U.S. South

Forests as Fuel is a book that explores the complexities and complications of wood-based bioenergy schemes in the US South, merging social, environmental, and economic benefits for rural, forest-dependent communities. It contextualizes energy issues within the history and potential futures of the region's forested landscapes, highlighting the impacts of climate change and complex racial dynamics. The authors present a nuanced analysis that can guide promoting meaningful participation of local community members in renewable energy policy and production while recognizing the complex interplay of factors affecting its implementation in local places.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

In the vibrant US South, a remarkable vision is taking shape, blending social, environmental, and economic advantages for rural, forest-dependent communities. This narrative has sparked substantial investment in experimental technologies and rural development, creating a sense of excitement and progress. However, as the implementation unfolds, numerous complexities and challenges arise, demanding careful consideration. Forests as Fuel, an extensive multi-sited ethnography, delves deep into the biophysical, economic, political, social, and cultural landscape of this region, providing a rich context for understanding wood-based bioenergy. This book contextualizes energy issues within the historical and potential futures of the region's forested landscapes, highlighting the impacts of varying perceptions of climate change and complex racial dynamics. Rather than offering simplistic solutions, the authors shed light on the points of friction that arise as competing visions of bioenergy development clash, supporting, reshaping, contesting, or rejecting it. Building upon recent conceptual advancements in studies of sociotechnical imaginaries, environmental history, and energy justice, the authors present a meticulous and nuanced analysis that offers valuable guidance for promoting meaningful participation of local community members in renewable energy policy and production, while acknowledging the intricate interplay of factors influencing its implementation in local contexts.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 230 x 153 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793632364