Abstract
In this paper we discuss the importance of framing the question of public acceptance of sustainable energy transitions in terms of values and a 'whole-system' lens. This assertion is based on findings arising from a major research project examining public values, attitudes and acceptability with regards to whole energy system change using a mixed-method (six deliberative workshops, n=. 68, and a nationally representative survey, n=. 2441), interdisciplinary approach. Through the research we identify a set of social values associated with desirable energy futures in the UK, where the values represent identifiable cultural resources people draw on to guide their preference formation about particular aspects of energy system change. As such, we characterise public perspectives as being underpinned by six value clusters relating to efficiency and wastefulness, environment and nature, security and stability, social justice and fairness, autonomy and power, and processes and change. We argue that this 'value system' provides a basis for understanding core reasons for public acceptance or rejection of different energy system aspects and processes. We conclude that a focus on values that underpin more specific preferences for energy system change brings insights that could provide a basis for improved dialogue, more robust decision-making, and for anticipating likely points of conflict in energy transitions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 59-69 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Global Environmental Change |
Volume | 34 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2015 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research formed part of the programme of the UK Energy Research Centre and was supported by the UK Research Councils under the Natural Environment Research Council award NE/G007748/1 (grant NE/I006753/1 ). Additional support was received from the Welsh Government , the Leverhulme Trust ( F/00 407/AG ), the US National Science Foundation (cooperative agreement SES 0938009), and for Alexa Spence from Horizon Digital Economy Research, RCUK grant ( EP/G065802/1 ). The research team would also like to thank the project advisory panel for their valuable input.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2015.
Funding
This research formed part of the programme of the UK Energy Research Centre and was supported by the UK Research Councils under the Natural Environment Research Council award NE/G007748/1 (grant NE/I006753/1 ). Additional support was received from the Welsh Government , the Leverhulme Trust ( F/00 407/AG ), the US National Science Foundation (cooperative agreement SES 0938009), and for Alexa Spence from Horizon Digital Economy Research, RCUK grant ( EP/G065802/1 ). The research team would also like to thank the project advisory panel for their valuable input.
Keywords
- Energy system transitions
- Public acceptability
- Public perception
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Global and Planetary Change
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Ecology
- Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law