Just Transitions for Energy and Climate


Even though the line of energy development is often considered a linear conventional transition towards an increasingly more technological future, this worldview omits the factors of uncertainty , human behaviour, cultural differences and diverse societal norms all together which sometimes lead to a more complex relationship between prosperity and sustainability (Jasanoff 2018).
Moreover, the identification of self bias by academic communities with regard to dynamic or uncertain scientific aspects in nowadays model making, such as diverse background, values and beliefs, would allow a more perceptive and aware utilization and/or development of new and/or existing technologies (Jasanoff 2018).
"That reflexivity could become the doorway to a Second Enlightenment, a stage of self-awareness in which we deploy both our knowledge and our doubts more wisely" (Jasanoff 2018).
The disparity of local scales of governance along with the development efforts needed for downscaling national know-how to local solutions represent a blocker for a smooth energy transition arising from the political sphere thus creating another challenge for nowadays climate technology to become more adaptable (Jasanoff 2018).
"New ways of thinking are all the more urgently needed because the search for a more sustainable global future disrupts the scales of human experience at multiple levels: most notably, community, politics, space and time" (Jasanoff 2010).

Finally, in order to create a constructive and equitable transition of the energy system, there is a need for collective systematic actions customized at all spatial and temporal scales and with the support of adapting technologies. Such technological progress must be lead by a self-aware and self-conscious understanding of our limitations in terms of human knowledge and capabilities. This would allow societies to strive for a transition governed by a woke and interconnected perception of what are the development points to address recognized throughout a non-linear learning curve (Jasanoff 2018).

Personally, I believe in the power of the human mind to further develop its science towards a future where the evolution to low-carbon energy sector is possible and accessible by all. Considering the fast and unimaginable progress which humankind has been able to achieve since the Information Age, I strongly believe that nothing is impossible and technology is our best chance for a profitable future.


References:

Jasanoff, S. (2018), Just transitions: A humble approach to global energy futures, Energy Research & Social Science 35 

Jasanoff, S. (2010), A new climate for society, Theory, Culture Soc. 27 (March/May (2–3))

Commenti

Posta un commento

Post popolari in questo blog

Italy and its Protected Areas

Immagine
  Italy presents a highly diversified and complex network of protected areas which cover around 21.5% of terrestrial territory and 8.8% of marine territory (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2023). Nonetheless, these areas are continuously reported as lacking of appropriate financing which leads to poor management plans resulting with the inability to protect the areas from illegal activities, such as pastures, tourism or fishing (WWF Italia 2018).  During an investigation by WWF Italia in 2018 where protected areas personnel itself responded to a survey exploring the current status of Italian Protected Areas, respondents highlighted some key points of development regarding risks and opportunities (WWF Italia 2018).  First of all, the main threat for Italian Protected Areas, especially Marine territories, is identified with Climate Change as the leading problem, followed by littering, naval traffic, illegal fishing or poaching and invasion of alien species (WWF Italia 2018).  To re...
Continua a leggere

Umbrella Species as a Conservation Practice: Benefits and Limitations

Immagine
An umbrella species in the context of ecology and biodiversity is defined by the Oxford Reference as "a species of plant or animal that has a large home range and broad habitat requirements, both of which overlap with other species, so that if it is given a large enough area for its own protection the other species will also benefit" (Park 2012). They represent a shortcut for the maintenance of biodiversity considering the consistent limitations on finance, knowledge and time for action (Roberge 2004). However, the adoption of umbrella species as conservation practice is equivocal based on the empirical data of its effectiveness (Thornton 2016).  This tool is useful in determining the minimum size for conservation areas, selecting the sites to be included in reserve networks and setting minimum standards for composition and processes of ecosystems (Roberge 2004).  When charismatic umbrella species are selected, they can also become a representative surrogate for sympatric spe...
Continua a leggere

Biosecurity of invasive species in isolated ecosystems

Immagine
MAMMAL ERADICATION PROGRAMS to prevent extinction of threatened native vertebrate species: Islands present a great opportunity and need for biodiversity conservation as they host 75% of known extinction species since 1500 as well as 36% of species classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Given the relevance of these territories and also the increasing pace of biodiversity loss of the last decades, it is important to develop a framework which would allow us to prioritize projects for conservation in isolated ecosystems. Such frameworks must include considerations on financial resources, political will as well as stakeholders involvement. Moreover, it is important to mention that a big obstacle arises from the availability of reliable data on species distributions which would consequently influence the assessment of eradication options. Finally, political feasibility must be carefully considered and incorporated through an objective methodology as it would eventually imp...
Continua a leggere