Ion Bogdan Vasi
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199746927
- eISBN:
- 9780199827169
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199746927.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
This chapter shows that although American environmental groups had little success in influencing federal energy policies, they contributed to a significant increase in local demand for renewable ...
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This chapter shows that although American environmental groups had little success in influencing federal energy policies, they contributed to a significant increase in local demand for renewable energy. The chapter shows how environmental groups shape organizations' decisions to purchase green power. Many environmental groups offer crucial mobilizing resources for green‐power champions. Others act as brokers who connect organizations with renewable energy developers or utilities, as certification agents who verify the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs), or as organizers of protests, boycotts, or shareholder activism. The analysis demonstrates that, while environmental groups and activists can sometimes pressure organizations to change “from the outside” through protests, boycotts, and lawsuits, their most significant impact is through creating change “from the inside.” In the case of colleges and universities, national and local environmental groups have pushed for green‐power purchases both bottom‐up, by organizing student campaigns for clean energy, and top‐down, by coordinating a network of college and university presidents who are committed to addressing climate change. In the case of companies, environmental groups have pushed for green‐power purchases mostly from the center by offering resources to mid‐level employees and environmental managers.Less
This chapter shows that although American environmental groups had little success in influencing federal energy policies, they contributed to a significant increase in local demand for renewable energy. The chapter shows how environmental groups shape organizations' decisions to purchase green power. Many environmental groups offer crucial mobilizing resources for green‐power champions. Others act as brokers who connect organizations with renewable energy developers or utilities, as certification agents who verify the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs), or as organizers of protests, boycotts, or shareholder activism. The analysis demonstrates that, while environmental groups and activists can sometimes pressure organizations to change “from the outside” through protests, boycotts, and lawsuits, their most significant impact is through creating change “from the inside.” In the case of colleges and universities, national and local environmental groups have pushed for green‐power purchases both bottom‐up, by organizing student campaigns for clean energy, and top‐down, by coordinating a network of college and university presidents who are committed to addressing climate change. In the case of companies, environmental groups have pushed for green‐power purchases mostly from the center by offering resources to mid‐level employees and environmental managers.
Cinnamon Piñon Carlarne
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199553419
- eISBN:
- 9780191594984
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199553419.003.0002
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Private International Law
This chapter provides an overview of how the US political system functions, focusing on the role of federalism in shaping policy-making. It reviews the history of environmental policymaking in the US ...
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This chapter provides an overview of how the US political system functions, focusing on the role of federalism in shaping policy-making. It reviews the history of environmental policymaking in the US and explores how climate change policymaking reveals a significant shift in the role and relationship between sub-federal and federal governmental entities in environmental law and policymaking. It seeks to provide an inclusive review of US federal climate change policies, beginning with the White House climate change strategy promoted by President Bush before exploring more recent efforts to overhaul the federal approach to climate change. It also endeavours to shed led light on how shifting federal climate change strategies influence domestic engagement in global climate change politics.Less
This chapter provides an overview of how the US political system functions, focusing on the role of federalism in shaping policy-making. It reviews the history of environmental policymaking in the US and explores how climate change policymaking reveals a significant shift in the role and relationship between sub-federal and federal governmental entities in environmental law and policymaking. It seeks to provide an inclusive review of US federal climate change policies, beginning with the White House climate change strategy promoted by President Bush before exploring more recent efforts to overhaul the federal approach to climate change. It also endeavours to shed led light on how shifting federal climate change strategies influence domestic engagement in global climate change politics.
Leah Cardamore Stokes
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- April 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190074258
- eISBN:
- 9780190074296
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190074258.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
Chapter 9, the book’s conclusion, charts a path forward both theoretically and empirically. It shows how using a more complex model of policy feedback enables a better understanding of the conditions ...
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Chapter 9, the book’s conclusion, charts a path forward both theoretically and empirically. It shows how using a more complex model of policy feedback enables a better understanding of the conditions under which retrenchment is likely. This chapter makes the case that understanding organized combat between policy advocates and opponents is crucial to explaining policy change. It also shows how advocates and states can get climate policy back on track, reviewing more hopeful recent developments in state clean energy laws. For too long, a small set of interest groups has captured the regulatory process—the very mechanism that is supposed to serve and protect the public interest. They have used their power to imperil the health and well-being of all people on the planet. To address climate change, policy advocates need to win policy conflicts more often. Clean energy advocates must learn from their opponents’ success in retrenching policy.Less
Chapter 9, the book’s conclusion, charts a path forward both theoretically and empirically. It shows how using a more complex model of policy feedback enables a better understanding of the conditions under which retrenchment is likely. This chapter makes the case that understanding organized combat between policy advocates and opponents is crucial to explaining policy change. It also shows how advocates and states can get climate policy back on track, reviewing more hopeful recent developments in state clean energy laws. For too long, a small set of interest groups has captured the regulatory process—the very mechanism that is supposed to serve and protect the public interest. They have used their power to imperil the health and well-being of all people on the planet. To address climate change, policy advocates need to win policy conflicts more often. Clean energy advocates must learn from their opponents’ success in retrenching policy.
Robert Pollin
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780262028233
- eISBN:
- 9780262322867
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262028233.003.0006
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
This chapter shows how building a clean energy economy will be a positive source of net job creation in all regions of the globe, even after taking account of job losses generated by fossil fuel ...
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This chapter shows how building a clean energy economy will be a positive source of net job creation in all regions of the globe, even after taking account of job losses generated by fossil fuel industry retrenchments. The main factors are that building a clean energy economy requires more labor per dollar of spending and, in most cases, a higher proportion of domestic activity, as opposed to spending on imports. This chapter also considers issues of job quality and skill requirements with clean energy sector employment. It also recognizes the need for ‘just transition’ for workers and communities throughout the world whose livelihoods depend on the fossil fuel industry, and who will therefore lose out in the clean energy transition.Less
This chapter shows how building a clean energy economy will be a positive source of net job creation in all regions of the globe, even after taking account of job losses generated by fossil fuel industry retrenchments. The main factors are that building a clean energy economy requires more labor per dollar of spending and, in most cases, a higher proportion of domestic activity, as opposed to spending on imports. This chapter also considers issues of job quality and skill requirements with clean energy sector employment. It also recognizes the need for ‘just transition’ for workers and communities throughout the world whose livelihoods depend on the fossil fuel industry, and who will therefore lose out in the clean energy transition.
Jose A. Puppim de Oliveira and Celio Andrade
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198802242
- eISBN:
- 9780191840586
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198802242.003.0027
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter examines the political economy aspects, particularly the influence of the Clean Development Mechanism, in clean energy and climate change policies in the states of Bahia and Rio Grande ...
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This chapter examines the political economy aspects, particularly the influence of the Clean Development Mechanism, in clean energy and climate change policies in the states of Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. The different mechanisms for responding to climate change are financing opportunities in some of the ‘green’ industries, but the results show a gap between the initial objectives of global policies and their results. The research identified pitfalls and opportunities for new strategies and mechanisms for boosting clean energy in Brazil and the role that the Clean Development Mechanism and future international mechanisms can play in the political economy of clean energy transitions. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the lessons learned from experience of the Clean Development Mechanism and its implications for the future of the Paris Agreement.Less
This chapter examines the political economy aspects, particularly the influence of the Clean Development Mechanism, in clean energy and climate change policies in the states of Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. The different mechanisms for responding to climate change are financing opportunities in some of the ‘green’ industries, but the results show a gap between the initial objectives of global policies and their results. The research identified pitfalls and opportunities for new strategies and mechanisms for boosting clean energy in Brazil and the role that the Clean Development Mechanism and future international mechanisms can play in the political economy of clean energy transitions. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the lessons learned from experience of the Clean Development Mechanism and its implications for the future of the Paris Agreement.
Robert Pollin
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780262028233
- eISBN:
- 9780262322867
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262028233.003.0007
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
This chapter discusses the need for effective industrial policies to achieve a successful clean energy transition. A variety of specific policy tools will be needed to create large and stable clean ...
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This chapter discusses the need for effective industrial policies to achieve a successful clean energy transition. A variety of specific policy tools will be needed to create large and stable clean energy markets and cheap and accessible financing for clean energy investors. The chapter also discusses how the clean energy transformation will create new opportunities for alternative ownership forms, including public ownership, community ownership and small-scale private companies. It considers the differential impacts on countries that are presently fossil fuel exporters versus importers. Prospects can be favorable even with fossil fuel exporters through enabling them to escape the ‘resource curse.’ The chapter concludes by arguing that “de-growth” is not a viable strategy for achieving climate stabilization.Less
This chapter discusses the need for effective industrial policies to achieve a successful clean energy transition. A variety of specific policy tools will be needed to create large and stable clean energy markets and cheap and accessible financing for clean energy investors. The chapter also discusses how the clean energy transformation will create new opportunities for alternative ownership forms, including public ownership, community ownership and small-scale private companies. It considers the differential impacts on countries that are presently fossil fuel exporters versus importers. Prospects can be favorable even with fossil fuel exporters through enabling them to escape the ‘resource curse.’ The chapter concludes by arguing that “de-growth” is not a viable strategy for achieving climate stabilization.
Bina Agarwal
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199569687
- eISBN:
- 9780191721847
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199569687.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental, International
Comprehensive solutions to many local problems cannot be found solely within the purview of civil society, or locally. It is also necessary to engage with institutions of government at many levels. ...
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Comprehensive solutions to many local problems cannot be found solely within the purview of civil society, or locally. It is also necessary to engage with institutions of government at many levels. To ensure adequate and clean cooking energy, for instance, technical expertise and economic support is often needed from the upper echelons of government, even while local institutions are important for implementation. Protecting the resilience of forest ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity also have non-local dimensions. Environmental and energy policies are similarly formulated at the state and national levels of government. How can village women engage with government at these different levels? How can they make the government responsive and accountable? Alliances with other village organizations and forming federations can enhance women's leverage with government. But are government institutions prepared for such engagement? What ideas about women's issues and gender equality do government representatives hold? How will they take account of hierarchies among women, and the needs especially of poor women? This concluding chapter addresses these and related questions. It outlines why engaging with government – from village councils to the bureaucracy and parliament – is necessary; elaborates on the relative disengagement of most women representatives at all levels from women's issues; and reflects on how their engagement could be enhanced.Less
Comprehensive solutions to many local problems cannot be found solely within the purview of civil society, or locally. It is also necessary to engage with institutions of government at many levels. To ensure adequate and clean cooking energy, for instance, technical expertise and economic support is often needed from the upper echelons of government, even while local institutions are important for implementation. Protecting the resilience of forest ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity also have non-local dimensions. Environmental and energy policies are similarly formulated at the state and national levels of government. How can village women engage with government at these different levels? How can they make the government responsive and accountable? Alliances with other village organizations and forming federations can enhance women's leverage with government. But are government institutions prepared for such engagement? What ideas about women's issues and gender equality do government representatives hold? How will they take account of hierarchies among women, and the needs especially of poor women? This concluding chapter addresses these and related questions. It outlines why engaging with government – from village councils to the bureaucracy and parliament – is necessary; elaborates on the relative disengagement of most women representatives at all levels from women's issues; and reflects on how their engagement could be enhanced.
Fui S. Tsikata, Abeeku Brew-Hammond, and Y. B. Osafo
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199532698
- eISBN:
- 9780191701054
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199532698.003.0008
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law
Africa's development is weighed down by the fact that energy consumption and access to modern energy services are the lowest in the world today. A relatively small number of African countries are ...
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Africa's development is weighed down by the fact that energy consumption and access to modern energy services are the lowest in the world today. A relatively small number of African countries are dependent on their petroleum and coal resources for economic development and today these countries are under pressure to implement measures to reduce emissions from activities which involve the production and use of fossil fuels. At the international level, fifty-two African countries have ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Kyoto Protocol of the UNFCCC put forward several ‘flexibility mechanisms’ including the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). This chapter explores the potential of the CDM as an investment vehicle for improving the delivery of energy services and increasing access to clean energy in Africa, in a manner which does not contribute inordinately to increases in greenhouse gas emissions. It looks at the main elements dominating policy discussion in Africa's energy sector, some aspects of which have a potential to move the continent away from the carbon economy, while others constrain its capacity to do so.Less
Africa's development is weighed down by the fact that energy consumption and access to modern energy services are the lowest in the world today. A relatively small number of African countries are dependent on their petroleum and coal resources for economic development and today these countries are under pressure to implement measures to reduce emissions from activities which involve the production and use of fossil fuels. At the international level, fifty-two African countries have ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Kyoto Protocol of the UNFCCC put forward several ‘flexibility mechanisms’ including the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). This chapter explores the potential of the CDM as an investment vehicle for improving the delivery of energy services and increasing access to clean energy in Africa, in a manner which does not contribute inordinately to increases in greenhouse gas emissions. It looks at the main elements dominating policy discussion in Africa's energy sector, some aspects of which have a potential to move the continent away from the carbon economy, while others constrain its capacity to do so.
David Onyinyechi Agu and Evelyn Nwamaka Ogbeide-Osaretin
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198802242
- eISBN:
- 9780191840586
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198802242.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
In order to implement clean energy transition programmes, the national and sub-national governments in Nigeria will incur certain costs. Similarly, failure to implement the policies will come with ...
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In order to implement clean energy transition programmes, the national and sub-national governments in Nigeria will incur certain costs. Similarly, failure to implement the policies will come with some costs. This chapter therefore considers the fiscal policy implications of Nigerian governments’ implementation of clean energy transition policies in the country. The analysis also reveals that the observed reluctance of Nigerian governments in implementing the policies is obviously unconnected with their dependence on oil revenues. The study further shows the fiscal policy implications of Nigerian governments’ inaction especially when other countries implement their clean energy transition policies. The study concludes that to implement clean energy policies, Nigerian governments may not necessarily increase cost, but prioritize clean energy projects.Less
In order to implement clean energy transition programmes, the national and sub-national governments in Nigeria will incur certain costs. Similarly, failure to implement the policies will come with some costs. This chapter therefore considers the fiscal policy implications of Nigerian governments’ implementation of clean energy transition policies in the country. The analysis also reveals that the observed reluctance of Nigerian governments in implementing the policies is obviously unconnected with their dependence on oil revenues. The study further shows the fiscal policy implications of Nigerian governments’ inaction especially when other countries implement their clean energy transition policies. The study concludes that to implement clean energy policies, Nigerian governments may not necessarily increase cost, but prioritize clean energy projects.
Bradly J. Condon and Tapen Sinha
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199654550
- eISBN:
- 9780191747953
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199654550.003.0008
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Public International Law
This chapter examines climate finance and considers sources of financing and constraints on financing mechanisms in WTO subsidies law. It begins with an overview of multilateral financing mechanisms. ...
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This chapter examines climate finance and considers sources of financing and constraints on financing mechanisms in WTO subsidies law. It begins with an overview of multilateral financing mechanisms. It then analyses the issue of fossil fuel subsidies; how to structure financing for adaptation by subsistence farmers in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Agriculture; and financing for clean energy projects; and the scope for private sector participation and the importance of international trade in services. It is argued that the money spent on fossil fuel subsidies should be reallocated to mitigation via the development and dissemination of clean energy technologies and to adaptation via financing for subsistence farmers to acquire the inputs needed to switch to genetically modified (GM) crops that can tolerate a changing climate.Less
This chapter examines climate finance and considers sources of financing and constraints on financing mechanisms in WTO subsidies law. It begins with an overview of multilateral financing mechanisms. It then analyses the issue of fossil fuel subsidies; how to structure financing for adaptation by subsistence farmers in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Agriculture; and financing for clean energy projects; and the scope for private sector participation and the importance of international trade in services. It is argued that the money spent on fossil fuel subsidies should be reallocated to mitigation via the development and dissemination of clean energy technologies and to adaptation via financing for subsistence farmers to acquire the inputs needed to switch to genetically modified (GM) crops that can tolerate a changing climate.
Govinda Timilsina and Kalim U. Shah
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- August 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190949501
- eISBN:
- 9780197528907
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190949501.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Since billions of people from the developing world do not have access to electricity and fuels for cooking, the United Nations specified universal access to modern energy as the seventh sustainable ...
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Since billions of people from the developing world do not have access to electricity and fuels for cooking, the United Nations specified universal access to modern energy as the seventh sustainable development goal (or SDG7): “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” Rapid development and deployment of technologies that supply clean and affordable energy services are critical to achieve this goal. This chapter discusses key technologies required to achieve the SDG7, challenges associated with the expanded deployment of these technologies, and policies to address the challenges. It starts with a survey of technology trends and advances across solar, wind, geothermal and off-grid systems that can have an impact on achievement of SDG7. Then the many challenges and barriers to modernizing traditional energy sources are discussed. Lastly, approaches to leveraging both supply side and demand side technologies and expand technology deployment are suggested. The pace of technology advancement and delivery needed to meet SDG7 requires strategic policy support and, in some cases in the developing world, political will and institutions able to take decisive, sustained actions.Less
Since billions of people from the developing world do not have access to electricity and fuels for cooking, the United Nations specified universal access to modern energy as the seventh sustainable development goal (or SDG7): “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” Rapid development and deployment of technologies that supply clean and affordable energy services are critical to achieve this goal. This chapter discusses key technologies required to achieve the SDG7, challenges associated with the expanded deployment of these technologies, and policies to address the challenges. It starts with a survey of technology trends and advances across solar, wind, geothermal and off-grid systems that can have an impact on achievement of SDG7. Then the many challenges and barriers to modernizing traditional energy sources are discussed. Lastly, approaches to leveraging both supply side and demand side technologies and expand technology deployment are suggested. The pace of technology advancement and delivery needed to meet SDG7 requires strategic policy support and, in some cases in the developing world, political will and institutions able to take decisive, sustained actions.
Karoliina Isoaho, Alexandra Goritz, and Nicolai Schulz
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198802242
- eISBN:
- 9780191840586
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198802242.003.0012
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
China and India will have to radically transform their electric power systems in order to decouple economic growth from unsustainable resource consumption. The development and deployment of renewable ...
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China and India will have to radically transform their electric power systems in order to decouple economic growth from unsustainable resource consumption. The development and deployment of renewable energies offers a solution to this challenge. A clean energy transition, however, requires radical changes in the energy system that can only occur if a governing coalition is both willing and able to implement successful RET (renewable energy technology) policies. The authors analyse how this willingness and ability is shaped by the coalition’s power and cohesiveness, societal pressures, and the institutional configuration across levels of governance. In doing so, central drivers are identified and barriers to a clean energy transition in China and India.Less
China and India will have to radically transform their electric power systems in order to decouple economic growth from unsustainable resource consumption. The development and deployment of renewable energies offers a solution to this challenge. A clean energy transition, however, requires radical changes in the energy system that can only occur if a governing coalition is both willing and able to implement successful RET (renewable energy technology) policies. The authors analyse how this willingness and ability is shaped by the coalition’s power and cohesiveness, societal pressures, and the institutional configuration across levels of governance. In doing so, central drivers are identified and barriers to a clean energy transition in China and India.
Robert Pollin
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780262028233
- eISBN:
- 9780262322867
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262028233.001.0001
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
Greening the Global Economy develops a workable solution to stabilizing the global climate through investments in energy efficiency and clean renewable energy. The investment program advanced in the ...
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Greening the Global Economy develops a workable solution to stabilizing the global climate through investments in energy efficiency and clean renewable energy. The investment program advanced in the book will also generate millions of new job opportunities in all regions of the world. This is even after we allow for the dramatic and unavoidable contraction in the production and consumption of oil, coal, and natural gas. Burning these fossil fuels to generate energy is the single largest cause of climate change. The clean energy investment program does not require reductions in economic growth; to the contrary, it will advance most effectively within a framework of healthy global growth. The book shows if we commit to investing every year approximately 1.5 percent of global GDP on energy efficiency and clean renewable energy investments, we can hit the CO2 emission reduction targets set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The book’s focus is the intermediate, 20-year target of a 40 percent emissions cut relative to today. The book discusses the need for “just transition policies” for workers and communities that are presently dependent on fossil fuel industries for their livelihoods. It also describes prospects that will open up for small-scale enterprises, community enterprises, and cooperatives as an outgrowth of the transition away from fossil fuels to green energy and high efficiency.Less
Greening the Global Economy develops a workable solution to stabilizing the global climate through investments in energy efficiency and clean renewable energy. The investment program advanced in the book will also generate millions of new job opportunities in all regions of the world. This is even after we allow for the dramatic and unavoidable contraction in the production and consumption of oil, coal, and natural gas. Burning these fossil fuels to generate energy is the single largest cause of climate change. The clean energy investment program does not require reductions in economic growth; to the contrary, it will advance most effectively within a framework of healthy global growth. The book shows if we commit to investing every year approximately 1.5 percent of global GDP on energy efficiency and clean renewable energy investments, we can hit the CO2 emission reduction targets set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The book’s focus is the intermediate, 20-year target of a 40 percent emissions cut relative to today. The book discusses the need for “just transition policies” for workers and communities that are presently dependent on fossil fuel industries for their livelihoods. It also describes prospects that will open up for small-scale enterprises, community enterprises, and cooperatives as an outgrowth of the transition away from fossil fuels to green energy and high efficiency.
Robert Pollin
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780262028233
- eISBN:
- 9780262322867
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262028233.003.0005
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
This chapter develops a simple estimating framework to demonstrate how the global CO2 emissions can realistically fall by 40 percent within 20 years. The framework assumes that an additional 1.5 ...
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This chapter develops a simple estimating framework to demonstrate how the global CO2 emissions can realistically fall by 40 percent within 20 years. The framework assumes that an additional 1.5 percent of global GDP is channeled every year into clean energy investments over a 20-year period. The costs of energy efficiency investments and expanding clean renewable energy supplies are taken from the discussions in previous chapters. This chapter also shows how this framework operates for specific countries, including Brazil, China, India, Germany, South Africa, South Korea, Spain and the United States. The chapter shows that, through this investment program, global CO2 emissions in 20 years will be 20 billion tons, as opposed to 43 billion tons under a ‘business-as-usual scenario.’Less
This chapter develops a simple estimating framework to demonstrate how the global CO2 emissions can realistically fall by 40 percent within 20 years. The framework assumes that an additional 1.5 percent of global GDP is channeled every year into clean energy investments over a 20-year period. The costs of energy efficiency investments and expanding clean renewable energy supplies are taken from the discussions in previous chapters. This chapter also shows how this framework operates for specific countries, including Brazil, China, India, Germany, South Africa, South Korea, Spain and the United States. The chapter shows that, through this investment program, global CO2 emissions in 20 years will be 20 billion tons, as opposed to 43 billion tons under a ‘business-as-usual scenario.’
Chika Ezeanya and Abel Kennedy
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198802242
- eISBN:
- 9780191840586
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198802242.003.0023
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The disappearance of Rwanda’s forests and attendant change in climatic conditions prompted the government to explore clean energy alternatives such as biogas. Unlike at any other time in Rwanda’s ...
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The disappearance of Rwanda’s forests and attendant change in climatic conditions prompted the government to explore clean energy alternatives such as biogas. Unlike at any other time in Rwanda’s history, more and more Rwandans in rural areas are becoming owners of cattle because of the Government of Rwanda’s agricultural direct assistance and poverty reduction programme known as Girinka. This chapter focuses on the various strategies employed by the government of Rwanda in achieving increased biogas use among the rural poor Girinka beneficiaries who use cow dung for their domestic biogas plants. Conditions necessary for successful implementation of clean energy pro-poor reforms in rural communities are explored.Less
The disappearance of Rwanda’s forests and attendant change in climatic conditions prompted the government to explore clean energy alternatives such as biogas. Unlike at any other time in Rwanda’s history, more and more Rwandans in rural areas are becoming owners of cattle because of the Government of Rwanda’s agricultural direct assistance and poverty reduction programme known as Girinka. This chapter focuses on the various strategies employed by the government of Rwanda in achieving increased biogas use among the rural poor Girinka beneficiaries who use cow dung for their domestic biogas plants. Conditions necessary for successful implementation of clean energy pro-poor reforms in rural communities are explored.
Bina Agarwal
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199569687
- eISBN:
- 9780191721847
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199569687.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental, International
Economists studying environmental collective action and green governance have paid little attention to gender. Research on gender and green governance in other disciplines has focused mainly on ...
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Economists studying environmental collective action and green governance have paid little attention to gender. Research on gender and green governance in other disciplines has focused mainly on women's near absence from forestry institutions. This interdisciplinary book turns that focus on its head to ask: what if women were present in these institutions? What difference would that make? Would women's inclusion in forest governance – undeniably important for equity – also affect decisions on forest use and outcomes for conservation and subsistence? Are women's interests in forests different from men's? Would women's presence lead to better forests and more equitable access? Does it matter which class of women governs? And how large a presence of women would make an impact? Answers to these questions can prove foundational for effective environmental governance. Yet they have hardly been empirically investigated. This book is the first major study to comprehensively address these wide-ranging issues. It traces women's history of exclusion from public institutions, the factors that constrain their effective participation, and how those constraints can be overcome. It outlines how strategic partnerships between forestry and other civil society institutions could strengthen rural women's bargaining power with community and government. It examines the complexities of eliciting government accountability in addressing poor rural women's needs, such as for clean domestic fuel and access to the commons. Located in the interface of environmental studies, political economy and gender analysis, the volume makes contributions to current debates on gender and governance, forest conservation, clean energy policy, critical mass and social inclusion.Less
Economists studying environmental collective action and green governance have paid little attention to gender. Research on gender and green governance in other disciplines has focused mainly on women's near absence from forestry institutions. This interdisciplinary book turns that focus on its head to ask: what if women were present in these institutions? What difference would that make? Would women's inclusion in forest governance – undeniably important for equity – also affect decisions on forest use and outcomes for conservation and subsistence? Are women's interests in forests different from men's? Would women's presence lead to better forests and more equitable access? Does it matter which class of women governs? And how large a presence of women would make an impact? Answers to these questions can prove foundational for effective environmental governance. Yet they have hardly been empirically investigated. This book is the first major study to comprehensively address these wide-ranging issues. It traces women's history of exclusion from public institutions, the factors that constrain their effective participation, and how those constraints can be overcome. It outlines how strategic partnerships between forestry and other civil society institutions could strengthen rural women's bargaining power with community and government. It examines the complexities of eliciting government accountability in addressing poor rural women's needs, such as for clean domestic fuel and access to the commons. Located in the interface of environmental studies, political economy and gender analysis, the volume makes contributions to current debates on gender and governance, forest conservation, clean energy policy, critical mass and social inclusion.
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804783859
- eISBN:
- 9780804784924
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804783859.003.0010
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
This chapter explores the three types of clean energy and how the four broad methods of achieving improvements in performance and costs contribute to a better understanding of the potential for ...
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This chapter explores the three types of clean energy and how the four broad methods of achieving improvements in performance and costs contribute to a better understanding of the potential for improvements in wind turbines, solar cells, and electric vehicles. It shows that the costs of clean energy fall as more wind turbines, solar cells, and electric vehicles are produced. This technology change has important implications for governments in implementing better energy policies that would stimulate the necessary improvements in performance and cost.Less
This chapter explores the three types of clean energy and how the four broad methods of achieving improvements in performance and costs contribute to a better understanding of the potential for improvements in wind turbines, solar cells, and electric vehicles. It shows that the costs of clean energy fall as more wind turbines, solar cells, and electric vehicles are produced. This technology change has important implications for governments in implementing better energy policies that would stimulate the necessary improvements in performance and cost.
Steven C. Currall, Ed Frauenheim, Sara Jansen Perry, and Emily M. Hunter
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199330706
- eISBN:
- 9780199364008
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199330706.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare, International
This chapter starts with energy expert Phyllis Cuttino’s observation that America’s approach to clean energy is too messy. A lack of coordination in arenas such as wind power is representative of the ...
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This chapter starts with energy expert Phyllis Cuttino’s observation that America’s approach to clean energy is too messy. A lack of coordination in arenas such as wind power is representative of the way the US system of R&D overall has been unorganized. The problem starts with a gap in the country’s ability to move discoveries from the research lab to the commercial realm, and includes a kind of national paralysis regarding how to fix the problem—thanks largely to misguided assumptions about innovation. This chapter focuses on the decline of private-sector research centers and the inability of universities to fill that void.Less
This chapter starts with energy expert Phyllis Cuttino’s observation that America’s approach to clean energy is too messy. A lack of coordination in arenas such as wind power is representative of the way the US system of R&D overall has been unorganized. The problem starts with a gap in the country’s ability to move discoveries from the research lab to the commercial realm, and includes a kind of national paralysis regarding how to fix the problem—thanks largely to misguided assumptions about innovation. This chapter focuses on the decline of private-sector research centers and the inability of universities to fill that void.
Jeffrey L. Funk
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804783859
- eISBN:
- 9780804784924
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804783859.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
This book explores why new industries emerge at specific moments in time and in certain countries. Part I shows that technologies which experience “exponential” improvements in cost and performance ...
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This book explores why new industries emerge at specific moments in time and in certain countries. Part I shows that technologies which experience “exponential” improvements in cost and performance have a greater chance of becoming new industries. When “low-end” discontinuities incur exponential improvements, they often displace the dominant technologies and become “disruptive” innovations. Part II explores this phenomenon and instances in which discontinuities spawn new industries because they impact higher-level systems. Part III addresses a different set of questions—ones that consider the challenges of new industries for firms and governments. Part IV uses ideas from the previous chapters to analyze the present and future of selected technologies. Based on analyses of many industries, including those with an electronic and clean energy focus, the book challenges the conventional wisdom that performance dramatically rises following the emergence of a new technology, that costs fall due to increases in cumulative production, and that low-end innovations automatically become disruptive ones.Less
This book explores why new industries emerge at specific moments in time and in certain countries. Part I shows that technologies which experience “exponential” improvements in cost and performance have a greater chance of becoming new industries. When “low-end” discontinuities incur exponential improvements, they often displace the dominant technologies and become “disruptive” innovations. Part II explores this phenomenon and instances in which discontinuities spawn new industries because they impact higher-level systems. Part III addresses a different set of questions—ones that consider the challenges of new industries for firms and governments. Part IV uses ideas from the previous chapters to analyze the present and future of selected technologies. Based on analyses of many industries, including those with an electronic and clean energy focus, the book challenges the conventional wisdom that performance dramatically rises following the emergence of a new technology, that costs fall due to increases in cumulative production, and that low-end innovations automatically become disruptive ones.
James M. Griffin
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300149852
- eISBN:
- 9780300149869
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300149852.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter focuses on whether markets can be trusted to provide cheap energy. Both the organization of the petroleum exporting countries (OPEC) cartel and its predecessor, the Seven Sisters, found ...
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This chapter focuses on whether markets can be trusted to provide cheap energy. Both the organization of the petroleum exporting countries (OPEC) cartel and its predecessor, the Seven Sisters, found that the ability to set prices and extract monopoly profits was undermined by a variety of market forces ranging from unexpectedly large long-run consumer responses, to higher oil prices, to unanticipated growth in non-OPEC oil production, to the difficulties of reining in cheaters within the cartel. The long-run forces that work so well in oil markets are never realized in a government-managed system. Markets are the only viable alternative. High oil prices would go a long way toward reducing the conflict between cheap and secure energy, and perhaps between cheap and clean energy as well. A smart energy policy is required that is adaptable to either a high- or low-oil-price world, producing a reasonable balance between cheap, clean, and secure energy.Less
This chapter focuses on whether markets can be trusted to provide cheap energy. Both the organization of the petroleum exporting countries (OPEC) cartel and its predecessor, the Seven Sisters, found that the ability to set prices and extract monopoly profits was undermined by a variety of market forces ranging from unexpectedly large long-run consumer responses, to higher oil prices, to unanticipated growth in non-OPEC oil production, to the difficulties of reining in cheaters within the cartel. The long-run forces that work so well in oil markets are never realized in a government-managed system. Markets are the only viable alternative. High oil prices would go a long way toward reducing the conflict between cheap and secure energy, and perhaps between cheap and clean energy as well. A smart energy policy is required that is adaptable to either a high- or low-oil-price world, producing a reasonable balance between cheap, clean, and secure energy.