The Low-Carbon Contradiction: Energy Transition, Geopolitics, and the Infrastructural State in Cuba

Cuba's pursuit of socialism led to its dependence on oil, which caused a severe energy crisis when the Soviet Union collapsed. In response, Cuba developed a low-carbon economy based on economic and social reform, which is examined in The Low-Carbon Contradiction. This period of rapid transition is considered a "Cuban miracle" or a successful example of "degrowth." Gustav Cederlöf's research reveals how the Cuban Revolution led to profound environmental and infrastructural change, raising questions about energy transitions, politics, and the conditions for a socially just low-carbon future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Cuba's pursuit of socialism led to its becoming Latin America's most oil-dependent economy. However, when the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba lost 86 percent of its crude oil supplies, resulting in a severe energy crisis. In response, Cuba embarked on a low-carbon economy based on economic and social reform rather than high-tech innovation. This period of rapid low-carbon energy transition, often referred to as a "Cuban miracle" or a successful example of "degrowth," is explored in The Low-Carbon Contradiction. Working with original research from households, workplaces, universities, and government offices, Gustav Cederlöf retells the history of the Cuban Revolution as one of profound environmental and infrastructural change. By doing so, he raises new questions about energy transitions, their politics, and the conditions for a socially just low-carbon future. The Cuban experience demonstrates how a society can transform itself while rapidly cutting carbon emissions in the pursuit of sustainability.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520393134