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Covid-19 and the politics of sustainable energy transitions

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Kuzemko, Caroline, Bradshaw, Michael J., Bridge, Gavin, Goldthau, Andreas, Jewell, Jessica, Overland, Indra, Scholten, Daniel, Van de Graaf, Thijs and Westphal, Kirsten (2020) Covid-19 and the politics of sustainable energy transitions. Energy Research & Social Science, 68 . 101685. doi:10.1016/j.erss.2020.101685 ISSN 22146296.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101685

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Abstract

In this perspectives piece, an interdisciplinary team of social science researchers considers the implications of Covid-19 for the politics of sustainable energy transitions. The emergency measures adopted by states, firms, and individuals in response to this global health crisis have driven a series of political, economic and social changes with potential to influence sustainable energy transitions. We identify some of the initial impacts of the ‘great lockdown’ on sustainable and fossil sources of energy, and consider how economic stimulus packages and social practices in the wake of the pandemic are likely to shape energy demand, the carbon-intensity of the energy system, and the speed of transitions. Adopting a broad multi-scalar and multi-actor approach to the analysis of energy system change, we highlight continuities and discontinuities with pre-pandemic trends. Discussion focuses on four key themes that shape the politics of sustainable energy transitions: (i) the short, medium and long-term temporalities of energy system change; (ii) practices of investment around clean-tech and divestment from fossil fuels; (iii) structures and scales of energy governance; and (iv) social practices around mobility, work and public health. While the effects of the pandemic continue to unfold, some of its sectoral and geographically differentiated impacts are already emerging. We conclude that the politics of sustainable energy transitions are now at a critical juncture, in which the form and direction of state support for post-pandemic economic recovery will be key.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Divisions: Faculty of Social Sciences > Politics and International Studies
Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
SWORD Depositor: Library Publications Router
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): COVID-19 (Disease), Renewable energy sources, Fossil fuels -- Political aspects
Journal or Publication Title: Energy Research & Social Science
Publisher: Elsevier
ISSN: 22146296
Official Date: October 2020
Dates:
DateEvent
October 2020Published
2 July 2020Available
24 June 2020Accepted
Volume: 68
Article Number: 101685
DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101685
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Open Access (Creative Commons)
Date of first compliant deposit: 22 July 2020
Date of first compliant Open Access: 2 July 2021
RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:
Project/Grant IDRIOXX Funder NameFunder ID
EP/S029575/1UK Energy Research Centrehttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000326
Related URLs:
  • http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-n...

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