Geoff Mulgan
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691165745
- eISBN:
- 9781400866199
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691165745.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This chapter addresses the widespread assumption that capitalism's future can best be understood as made up of more, and better, technology. The scale of scientific and technological activity today ...
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This chapter addresses the widespread assumption that capitalism's future can best be understood as made up of more, and better, technology. The scale of scientific and technological activity today is wholly unprecedented, and guarantees a flood of new knowledge and things. A succession of “longwave theories” have tried to make sense of the long cycles of economic change, and now hint at a new kind of economy emerging from low carbon technologies, broadband, genomics, and nanotechnology. But technologies have always been as much shaped by societies as shaping them, and people should expect struggles to shape technology and science—struggles that will often pit big governments and big business against the public.Less
This chapter addresses the widespread assumption that capitalism's future can best be understood as made up of more, and better, technology. The scale of scientific and technological activity today is wholly unprecedented, and guarantees a flood of new knowledge and things. A succession of “longwave theories” have tried to make sense of the long cycles of economic change, and now hint at a new kind of economy emerging from low carbon technologies, broadband, genomics, and nanotechnology. But technologies have always been as much shaped by societies as shaping them, and people should expect struggles to shape technology and science—struggles that will often pit big governments and big business against the public.
Peter Goldmark
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231158633
- eISBN:
- 9780231530286
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231158633.003.0035
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This chapter introduces the panel entitled “Reducing Climate Risk” by discussing three trends that are driving our reaction to climate risk as they unfold. First, we have begun the transition to the ...
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This chapter introduces the panel entitled “Reducing Climate Risk” by discussing three trends that are driving our reaction to climate risk as they unfold. First, we have begun the transition to the low-carbon high-efficiency (LCHE) economy. Large-scale commercialization of wind and solar is under way, and the energy efficiency stampede is not far behind. Progress is fitful, however, and it is far too slow. The second trend pertains to global warming. Some of the adverse consequences of global warming are already locked into the atmosphere. The food squeeze has begun, and we have begun to experience changes in water availability and regularity. A third trend is decreasing the ability of governments to buffer the volatility of all sorts of risks. The chapter asks: Are there sensible medium- and long-term investment opportunities with which to ride the trend toward an LCHE economy and support sound development at the same time? Are there ways to protect investments against climate-connected disruptions?Less
This chapter introduces the panel entitled “Reducing Climate Risk” by discussing three trends that are driving our reaction to climate risk as they unfold. First, we have begun the transition to the low-carbon high-efficiency (LCHE) economy. Large-scale commercialization of wind and solar is under way, and the energy efficiency stampede is not far behind. Progress is fitful, however, and it is far too slow. The second trend pertains to global warming. Some of the adverse consequences of global warming are already locked into the atmosphere. The food squeeze has begun, and we have begun to experience changes in water availability and regularity. A third trend is decreasing the ability of governments to buffer the volatility of all sorts of risks. The chapter asks: Are there sensible medium- and long-term investment opportunities with which to ride the trend toward an LCHE economy and support sound development at the same time? Are there ways to protect investments against climate-connected disruptions?
Patrick Bolton, Frederic Samama, and Joseph E. Stiglitz (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231158633
- eISBN:
- 9780231530286
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231158633.003.0040
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This chapter presents responses to some questions and/or comments raised during the panel on reducing climate risk. One participant asked for elaboration on how tariffs could be structured so that ...
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This chapter presents responses to some questions and/or comments raised during the panel on reducing climate risk. One participant asked for elaboration on how tariffs could be structured so that they are not essentially just competitiveness tariffs but ways for rich countries to equilibrate differences in cost of production from lower-priced producers. Another commented that the urgency to pursue a low-carbon economy makes some forget other, basic considerations. We lack recognition of the patience and the investment required in the institutions that can be lasting and address these issues on the ground. A participant suggested that innovative new technologies provide an opportunity for the South to leapfrog the North so that the North can be left behind and be the ultimate losers. Finally, a participant raised the issue of the cost of increasingly severe natural disasters attributed to global warming.Less
This chapter presents responses to some questions and/or comments raised during the panel on reducing climate risk. One participant asked for elaboration on how tariffs could be structured so that they are not essentially just competitiveness tariffs but ways for rich countries to equilibrate differences in cost of production from lower-priced producers. Another commented that the urgency to pursue a low-carbon economy makes some forget other, basic considerations. We lack recognition of the patience and the investment required in the institutions that can be lasting and address these issues on the ground. A participant suggested that innovative new technologies provide an opportunity for the South to leapfrog the North so that the North can be left behind and be the ultimate losers. Finally, a participant raised the issue of the cost of increasingly severe natural disasters attributed to global warming.
Patrick Bolton, Frederic Samama, and Joseph E. Stiglitz (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231158633
- eISBN:
- 9780231530286
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231158633.003.0041
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This chapter summarizes the panel discussion on reducing climate risk. It describes how the transition to the low-carbon high-efficiency (LCHE) economy and the explosive growth in the global middle ...
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This chapter summarizes the panel discussion on reducing climate risk. It describes how the transition to the low-carbon high-efficiency (LCHE) economy and the explosive growth in the global middle class will lead to a number of new markets and a number of disruptions in existing markets. Innovations are coming, in carbon-free energy sources and in smart energy initiatives, all of which will have vast implications for sovereign wealth funds (SWFs). The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), with its initiatives on water, bonds, and accounting, is an entity with which SWFs can partner to ensure a rational response to climate change through information. SWFs should also examine their portfolio exposure and work to gain more exposure to some of the upward dynamics that will ensure their returns.Less
This chapter summarizes the panel discussion on reducing climate risk. It describes how the transition to the low-carbon high-efficiency (LCHE) economy and the explosive growth in the global middle class will lead to a number of new markets and a number of disruptions in existing markets. Innovations are coming, in carbon-free energy sources and in smart energy initiatives, all of which will have vast implications for sovereign wealth funds (SWFs). The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), with its initiatives on water, bonds, and accounting, is an entity with which SWFs can partner to ensure a rational response to climate change through information. SWFs should also examine their portfolio exposure and work to gain more exposure to some of the upward dynamics that will ensure their returns.
Lena Sommestad (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847429247
- eISBN:
- 9781447305613
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847429247.003.0012
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
This chapter tests the idea of connecting climate policies and the social investment approach in order to elaborate a European Model for Sustainable Development. It argues that the success of EU ...
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This chapter tests the idea of connecting climate policies and the social investment approach in order to elaborate a European Model for Sustainable Development. It argues that the success of EU climate policies, which have hitherto been largely unrelated to social policy, will be strongly dependent on social policy design. They have been designed in favour of liberalized energy markets, based on market-related policy instruments and limited state intervention. But these neoliberal EU climate policies are viewed with growing discontent. Problems identified include volatile energy prices, lack of investment in low-carbon energy and ‘fuel poverty’. The chapter argues that income redistribution and appropriate employment policies to re-skill the labour force in order to respond to the needs of a low-carbon economy are crucial elements for successful climate change mitigation. It then discusses the likelihood of a policy shift in the EU towards a paradigm for sustainable development. By providing a coherent approach to climate policy and social policy, the sustainable development paradigm carries the potential to strengthen the social investment approach and improve social policy design in support of climate change mitigation.Less
This chapter tests the idea of connecting climate policies and the social investment approach in order to elaborate a European Model for Sustainable Development. It argues that the success of EU climate policies, which have hitherto been largely unrelated to social policy, will be strongly dependent on social policy design. They have been designed in favour of liberalized energy markets, based on market-related policy instruments and limited state intervention. But these neoliberal EU climate policies are viewed with growing discontent. Problems identified include volatile energy prices, lack of investment in low-carbon energy and ‘fuel poverty’. The chapter argues that income redistribution and appropriate employment policies to re-skill the labour force in order to respond to the needs of a low-carbon economy are crucial elements for successful climate change mitigation. It then discusses the likelihood of a policy shift in the EU towards a paradigm for sustainable development. By providing a coherent approach to climate policy and social policy, the sustainable development paradigm carries the potential to strengthen the social investment approach and improve social policy design in support of climate change mitigation.
Harriet Bulkeley, Mike Hodson, and Simon Marvin
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426673
- eISBN:
- 9781447305545
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426673.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter critically explores the interconnection between the emerging climate change agenda in the UK and cities. Focusing on one key national strategy – the 2009 UK Low Carbon Transition Plan ...
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This chapter critically explores the interconnection between the emerging climate change agenda in the UK and cities. Focusing on one key national strategy – the 2009 UK Low Carbon Transition Plan (Department of Energy and Climate Change 2009) – it examines the emergence of a new ‘low carbon’ urban politics and the strategic roles envisioned for cities in the low carbon transition. The chapter finds an ambivalent urban climate politics, articulated through the tensions between seeking to manage carbon ‘from the top down’ and opening up space for experimentation and alternatives on the one hand, and the ambitions for universal ‘transitions’ and the specificities of place on the other.Less
This chapter critically explores the interconnection between the emerging climate change agenda in the UK and cities. Focusing on one key national strategy – the 2009 UK Low Carbon Transition Plan (Department of Energy and Climate Change 2009) – it examines the emergence of a new ‘low carbon’ urban politics and the strategic roles envisioned for cities in the low carbon transition. The chapter finds an ambivalent urban climate politics, articulated through the tensions between seeking to manage carbon ‘from the top down’ and opening up space for experimentation and alternatives on the one hand, and the ambitions for universal ‘transitions’ and the specificities of place on the other.
Wang Mingyuan
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199532698
- eISBN:
- 9780191701054
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199532698.003.0016
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law
Although its historical greenhouse gas emissions are very low and per capita emissions are below the world average, China is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, next to the United States. ...
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Although its historical greenhouse gas emissions are very low and per capita emissions are below the world average, China is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, next to the United States. As a developing country at a low developmental stage, with a huge population, a coal-dominated energy mix, and relatively low capacity to tackle climate change, China will surely face severe challenges when coping with climate change along with the acceleration of urbanisation, industrialisation, and the increase of residential energy consumption. The Chinese government has made great efforts to promote technology advancement and energy efficiency improvement, among other initiatives. This has significantly reduced and mitigated the increase of greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts thereof. After providing some general background information, this chapter examines the relevant legal issues that are closely related to the development of a low-carbon economy in China, such as the laws on energy conservation, renewable energy, nuclear energy and hydrogen energy, and the development of new energy technology.Less
Although its historical greenhouse gas emissions are very low and per capita emissions are below the world average, China is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, next to the United States. As a developing country at a low developmental stage, with a huge population, a coal-dominated energy mix, and relatively low capacity to tackle climate change, China will surely face severe challenges when coping with climate change along with the acceleration of urbanisation, industrialisation, and the increase of residential energy consumption. The Chinese government has made great efforts to promote technology advancement and energy efficiency improvement, among other initiatives. This has significantly reduced and mitigated the increase of greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts thereof. After providing some general background information, this chapter examines the relevant legal issues that are closely related to the development of a low-carbon economy in China, such as the laws on energy conservation, renewable energy, nuclear energy and hydrogen energy, and the development of new energy technology.
Wim Naudé
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199667857
- eISBN:
- 9780191749308
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199667857.003.0010
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Macro- and Monetary Economics
Industrial policy is vital for sustainability in its broadest sense: both environmental as well as societal sustainability will depend on industrial policy. In a world characterized by growing inter- ...
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Industrial policy is vital for sustainability in its broadest sense: both environmental as well as societal sustainability will depend on industrial policy. In a world characterized by growing inter- and intra-country inequality, industrialization offers scope for providing job opportunities, incomes, and the chance for industrially lagging countries to catch up. In a world facing the specter of climate change, low-carbon industrialization, and green growth paths have become imperatives. Moreover, promoting low-carbon industrialization and obtaining its accompanying development benefits will itself improve the ability of currently poor countries to adapt to climate change. It is the case that the best defence against climate change is economic development. Although the Earth’s climate has always been changing there is now wide agreement that the climate is warming and that human emission of greenhouse gases is a contributing factor.Less
Industrial policy is vital for sustainability in its broadest sense: both environmental as well as societal sustainability will depend on industrial policy. In a world characterized by growing inter- and intra-country inequality, industrialization offers scope for providing job opportunities, incomes, and the chance for industrially lagging countries to catch up. In a world facing the specter of climate change, low-carbon industrialization, and green growth paths have become imperatives. Moreover, promoting low-carbon industrialization and obtaining its accompanying development benefits will itself improve the ability of currently poor countries to adapt to climate change. It is the case that the best defence against climate change is economic development. Although the Earth’s climate has always been changing there is now wide agreement that the climate is warming and that human emission of greenhouse gases is a contributing factor.
Zoltan J. Acs and Wim Naudé
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199667857
- eISBN:
- 9780191749308
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199667857.003.0014
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Macro- and Monetary Economics
Entrepreneurs play an important part in economic growth and development. Entrepreneurs are also vital in the process of structural change or industrialization, a process without which development is ...
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Entrepreneurs play an important part in economic growth and development. Entrepreneurs are also vital in the process of structural change or industrialization, a process without which development is not possible. Entrepreneurial innovation leads to the reallocation of resources from the traditional (agricultural) sector to the modern (manufacturing) sector. There is substantial agreement that recovery after the 2008–09 global financial and economic crises and the challenge of climate change will require more, not less, of such entrepreneurial innovation. What is needed are quality jobs through low-carbon industrialization. There is now a growing rediscovery of industrial policy as being necessary to overcome a number of market failures that inhibit entrepreneurial innovation in job creation and low-carbon industrialization. This implies an industrial policy where the relationship between government and entrepreneurs (the private sector) is important.Less
Entrepreneurs play an important part in economic growth and development. Entrepreneurs are also vital in the process of structural change or industrialization, a process without which development is not possible. Entrepreneurial innovation leads to the reallocation of resources from the traditional (agricultural) sector to the modern (manufacturing) sector. There is substantial agreement that recovery after the 2008–09 global financial and economic crises and the challenge of climate change will require more, not less, of such entrepreneurial innovation. What is needed are quality jobs through low-carbon industrialization. There is now a growing rediscovery of industrial policy as being necessary to overcome a number of market failures that inhibit entrepreneurial innovation in job creation and low-carbon industrialization. This implies an industrial policy where the relationship between government and entrepreneurs (the private sector) is important.
Ajay Mathur
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- December 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780199498734
- eISBN:
- 9780199098408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199498734.003.0013
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
The universal provision of adequate and affordable energy to all is a major political objective in India, and the climate change agenda has therefore focused on ways and means to facilitate low/zero ...
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The universal provision of adequate and affordable energy to all is a major political objective in India, and the climate change agenda has therefore focused on ways and means to facilitate low/zero carbon-based energy options. Between 2012 and 2015, domestic technological and institutional initiatives enabled a rapid decline in the prices of light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and solar electricity, and an associated increase in their market penetration. This experience, along with the ongoing climate change discussions, created opportunities to address climate concerns while focusing on national energy development challenges. It opened the door for India, in the run-up to Paris, to recognize that the pledge-and-enhance approach could be integrated within the domestic energy agenda. This led to India’s proactive stance in the development of the Paris Agreement as well as the launch of the International Solar Alliance, and an expansion of its traditional G77 role into its new G20 role.Less
The universal provision of adequate and affordable energy to all is a major political objective in India, and the climate change agenda has therefore focused on ways and means to facilitate low/zero carbon-based energy options. Between 2012 and 2015, domestic technological and institutional initiatives enabled a rapid decline in the prices of light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and solar electricity, and an associated increase in their market penetration. This experience, along with the ongoing climate change discussions, created opportunities to address climate concerns while focusing on national energy development challenges. It opened the door for India, in the run-up to Paris, to recognize that the pledge-and-enhance approach could be integrated within the domestic energy agenda. This led to India’s proactive stance in the development of the Paris Agreement as well as the launch of the International Solar Alliance, and an expansion of its traditional G77 role into its new G20 role.
Jessica Donovan, Keith Lawrence, Christopher Neyor, Eduard Niesten, and Eric Werker
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199934386
- eISBN:
- 9780199333028
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199934386.003.0019
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The prospect of low-carbon economic development involves the valuation of myriad costs and benefits, and includes the consideration of a number of innovative proposals to spur growth without ...
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The prospect of low-carbon economic development involves the valuation of myriad costs and benefits, and includes the consideration of a number of innovative proposals to spur growth without degrading environmental resources. This chapter describes Liberia’s wealth of forests and explains how a low-carbon development strategy for Liberia could include a number of cost-beneficial policies, the most obvious being a transition to more efficient agriculture. Other beneficial policies include accelerating the establishment of protected areas, ensuring that tree crop plantations are located on degraded land rather than forest areas, and introducing energy-efficient stoves for charcoal and fuel wood. The net benefits of changes to forestry policies are less clear, however: reducing the number of timber sales contracts would be cost-beneficial, but replacing commercial timber with carbon concessions is more marginal.Less
The prospect of low-carbon economic development involves the valuation of myriad costs and benefits, and includes the consideration of a number of innovative proposals to spur growth without degrading environmental resources. This chapter describes Liberia’s wealth of forests and explains how a low-carbon development strategy for Liberia could include a number of cost-beneficial policies, the most obvious being a transition to more efficient agriculture. Other beneficial policies include accelerating the establishment of protected areas, ensuring that tree crop plantations are located on degraded land rather than forest areas, and introducing energy-efficient stoves for charcoal and fuel wood. The net benefits of changes to forestry policies are less clear, however: reducing the number of timber sales contracts would be cost-beneficial, but replacing commercial timber with carbon concessions is more marginal.
Joanna Lewis
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231153317
- eISBN:
- 9780231526876
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231153317.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
As the greatest coal-producing and consuming nation in the world, China would seem an unlikely haven for wind power. Yet the country now boasts a world-class industry that promises to make low-carbon ...
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As the greatest coal-producing and consuming nation in the world, China would seem an unlikely haven for wind power. Yet the country now boasts a world-class industry that promises to make low-carbon technology more affordable and available to all. Conducting an empirical study of China's remarkable transition and the possibility of replicating their model elsewhere, this book adds greater depth to a theoretical understanding of China's technological innovation systems and its current and future role in a globalized economy. The text focuses on China's specific methods of international technology transfer, its forms of international cooperation and competition, and its implementation of effective policies promoting the development of a home-grown industry. Just a decade ago, China maintained only a handful of operating wind turbines—all imported from Europe and the United States. Today, the country is the largest wind power market in the world, with turbines made almost exclusively in its own factories. Following this shift reveals how China's political leaders have responded to domestic energy challenges and how they may confront encroaching climate change. The nation's escalation of its wind power use also demonstrates China's ability to leapfrog to cleaner energy technologies—an option equally viable for other developing countries hoping to bypass gradual industrialization and the “technological lock-in” of hydrocarbon-intensive energy infrastructure. Though setbacks are possible, China could one day come to dominate global wind turbine sales, becoming a hub of technological innovation and a major instigator of low-carbon economic change.Less
As the greatest coal-producing and consuming nation in the world, China would seem an unlikely haven for wind power. Yet the country now boasts a world-class industry that promises to make low-carbon technology more affordable and available to all. Conducting an empirical study of China's remarkable transition and the possibility of replicating their model elsewhere, this book adds greater depth to a theoretical understanding of China's technological innovation systems and its current and future role in a globalized economy. The text focuses on China's specific methods of international technology transfer, its forms of international cooperation and competition, and its implementation of effective policies promoting the development of a home-grown industry. Just a decade ago, China maintained only a handful of operating wind turbines—all imported from Europe and the United States. Today, the country is the largest wind power market in the world, with turbines made almost exclusively in its own factories. Following this shift reveals how China's political leaders have responded to domestic energy challenges and how they may confront encroaching climate change. The nation's escalation of its wind power use also demonstrates China's ability to leapfrog to cleaner energy technologies—an option equally viable for other developing countries hoping to bypass gradual industrialization and the “technological lock-in” of hydrocarbon-intensive energy infrastructure. Though setbacks are possible, China could one day come to dominate global wind turbine sales, becoming a hub of technological innovation and a major instigator of low-carbon economic change.
Andrew Cumbers
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447327226
- eISBN:
- 9781447327240
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447327226.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
Denmark’s successful shift from fossil fuel dependency to being a world leader in renewable energies has rightly gained international plaudits. Rather less is known about the role of the state and ...
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Denmark’s successful shift from fossil fuel dependency to being a world leader in renewable energies has rightly gained international plaudits. Rather less is known about the role of the state and the growth of cooperative and often innovative forms of public ownership in facilitating this process. This flies in the face of dominant neoliberal practices of governance and highlights the potential and even essential role that forms of economic democracy can play in developing an alternative pathway towards low carbon transition. The chapter reflects on both the opportunities but also the tensions involved in development such alternatives.Less
Denmark’s successful shift from fossil fuel dependency to being a world leader in renewable energies has rightly gained international plaudits. Rather less is known about the role of the state and the growth of cooperative and often innovative forms of public ownership in facilitating this process. This flies in the face of dominant neoliberal practices of governance and highlights the potential and even essential role that forms of economic democracy can play in developing an alternative pathway towards low carbon transition. The chapter reflects on both the opportunities but also the tensions involved in development such alternatives.
Tony Addison
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- November 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198817369
- eISBN:
- 9780191858871
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198817369.003.0022
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Climate change is one of the world’s most complex and urgent global problems—many argue that it is the greatest challenge. Climate change adaptation and mitigation are fundamental to the evolution of ...
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Climate change is one of the world’s most complex and urgent global problems—many argue that it is the greatest challenge. Climate change adaptation and mitigation are fundamental to the evolution of our economies and societies over the rest of the twenty-first century and beyond. The extractive industries are in many ways at the heart of the challenge. The extractives sector must support national and international efforts to respond to climate change, by adjusting exploration and production to shifting patterns of demand for energy and minerals—as policies and new technologies encourage progress along low-carbon pathways. None of this is easy; success is not assured. This is a large topic, and the task of this chapter is to set out some of its main issues as they relate to the extractives sector.Less
Climate change is one of the world’s most complex and urgent global problems—many argue that it is the greatest challenge. Climate change adaptation and mitigation are fundamental to the evolution of our economies and societies over the rest of the twenty-first century and beyond. The extractive industries are in many ways at the heart of the challenge. The extractives sector must support national and international efforts to respond to climate change, by adjusting exploration and production to shifting patterns of demand for energy and minerals—as policies and new technologies encourage progress along low-carbon pathways. None of this is easy; success is not assured. This is a large topic, and the task of this chapter is to set out some of its main issues as they relate to the extractives sector.
Joanna I. Lewis
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199919864
- eISBN:
- 9780199345601
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199919864.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
China’s energy challenges are shaping the way its leadership is approaching climate mitigation at the domestic level, which in turn is shaping its positioning in international climate negotiations. ...
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China’s energy challenges are shaping the way its leadership is approaching climate mitigation at the domestic level, which in turn is shaping its positioning in international climate negotiations. An increase in the scientific and technical understanding of its own energy and emissions situation—an understanding promoted in part by increased international engagement—has permitted China’s policy makers to legislate with more confidence domestically. Low carbon development is now positioned at the core of China’s overarching national five-year economic plans with carbon management programs existing alongside a low carbon development strategy. These significant domestic changes have permitted an equally striking shift in China’s approach to global environmental diplomacy, particularly in the context of the international climate change negotiations.Less
China’s energy challenges are shaping the way its leadership is approaching climate mitigation at the domestic level, which in turn is shaping its positioning in international climate negotiations. An increase in the scientific and technical understanding of its own energy and emissions situation—an understanding promoted in part by increased international engagement—has permitted China’s policy makers to legislate with more confidence domestically. Low carbon development is now positioned at the core of China’s overarching national five-year economic plans with carbon management programs existing alongside a low carbon development strategy. These significant domestic changes have permitted an equally striking shift in China’s approach to global environmental diplomacy, particularly in the context of the international climate change negotiations.
Karen Bell
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781447305941
- eISBN:
- 9781447302933
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447305941.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
The concept of environmental justice came relatively recently to the Republic of Korea (henceforth, South Korea), developing out of mainstream environmentalism, which began in the 1980s. Unlike ...
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The concept of environmental justice came relatively recently to the Republic of Korea (henceforth, South Korea), developing out of mainstream environmentalism, which began in the 1980s. Unlike environmentalism in Europe and the US, which initially focused on the preservation of ecosystems, however, South Korea’s early environmentalism was concerned with the impact of pollution on human health. This initial recognition of the importance of the environment for humans made it easy to begin to think about environmental justice issues. In 1999, a landmark moment for environmental justice in South Korea occurred with the first Environmental Justice Forum, organised by the Citizens Movement for Environmental Justice, now one of the largest and fastest-growing environmental organisations in the country. The Forum reported that rural regions frequently experienced environmental injustice in the form of a lack of sanitation and improved drinking water, as well as the increased siting of contaminating facilities in or near their communities. This chapter outlines the current substantive, distributional and procedural aspects of environmental justice in South Korea.Less
The concept of environmental justice came relatively recently to the Republic of Korea (henceforth, South Korea), developing out of mainstream environmentalism, which began in the 1980s. Unlike environmentalism in Europe and the US, which initially focused on the preservation of ecosystems, however, South Korea’s early environmentalism was concerned with the impact of pollution on human health. This initial recognition of the importance of the environment for humans made it easy to begin to think about environmental justice issues. In 1999, a landmark moment for environmental justice in South Korea occurred with the first Environmental Justice Forum, organised by the Citizens Movement for Environmental Justice, now one of the largest and fastest-growing environmental organisations in the country. The Forum reported that rural regions frequently experienced environmental injustice in the form of a lack of sanitation and improved drinking water, as well as the increased siting of contaminating facilities in or near their communities. This chapter outlines the current substantive, distributional and procedural aspects of environmental justice in South Korea.
Jonas Sonnenschein
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198802242
- eISBN:
- 9780191840586
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198802242.003.0010
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Rapid decarbonization requires additional research, development, and demonstration of low-carbon energy technologies. Various financing instruments are in place to support this development. They are ...
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Rapid decarbonization requires additional research, development, and demonstration of low-carbon energy technologies. Various financing instruments are in place to support this development. They are frequently assessed through indicator-based evaluations. There is no standard set of indicators for this purpose. This study looks at the Nordic countries, which are leading countries with respect to eco-innovation. Different indicators to assess financing instruments are analysed with respect to their acceptance, the ease of monitoring, and their robustness. None of the indicators emerges as clearly superior from the analysis. Indicator choice is subject to trade-offs and leaves room for steering evaluation results in a desired direction. The study concludes by discussing potential policy implications of biases in indicator-based evaluation.Less
Rapid decarbonization requires additional research, development, and demonstration of low-carbon energy technologies. Various financing instruments are in place to support this development. They are frequently assessed through indicator-based evaluations. There is no standard set of indicators for this purpose. This study looks at the Nordic countries, which are leading countries with respect to eco-innovation. Different indicators to assess financing instruments are analysed with respect to their acceptance, the ease of monitoring, and their robustness. None of the indicators emerges as clearly superior from the analysis. Indicator choice is subject to trade-offs and leaves room for steering evaluation results in a desired direction. The study concludes by discussing potential policy implications of biases in indicator-based evaluation.
Michael R. Davidson, Fredrich Kahrl, and Valerie J. Karplus
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198802242
- eISBN:
- 9780191840586
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198802242.003.0013
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The authors propose a general taxonomy of the political economy challenges to wind power development and integration, highlighting the implications in terms of actors, interests, and risks. Applying ...
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The authors propose a general taxonomy of the political economy challenges to wind power development and integration, highlighting the implications in terms of actors, interests, and risks. Applying this framework to three functions in China’s electricity sector—planning and project approval, generator cost recovery, and balancing area coordination—the authors find evidence of challenges common across countries with significant wind investments, despite institutional and industry characteristics that are unique to China. The authors argue that resolving these political economy challenges is as important to facilitating the role of wind and other renewable energies in a low-carbon energy transition as providing dedicated technical and energy policy support. China is no exception.Less
The authors propose a general taxonomy of the political economy challenges to wind power development and integration, highlighting the implications in terms of actors, interests, and risks. Applying this framework to three functions in China’s electricity sector—planning and project approval, generator cost recovery, and balancing area coordination—the authors find evidence of challenges common across countries with significant wind investments, despite institutional and industry characteristics that are unique to China. The authors argue that resolving these political economy challenges is as important to facilitating the role of wind and other renewable energies in a low-carbon energy transition as providing dedicated technical and energy policy support. China is no exception.
José María Valenzuela and Isabel Studer
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198802242
- eISBN:
- 9780191840586
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198802242.003.0021
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Mexico’s low-carbon technology perspectives show lack of coherence with the rising ambition in climate change commitments, for which Mexico is internationally praised. The comparison of two recent ...
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Mexico’s low-carbon technology perspectives show lack of coherence with the rising ambition in climate change commitments, for which Mexico is internationally praised. The comparison of two recent energy reforms, corresponding to two administrations, explains this lack of coherence by, on the one hand, the permanence of a strong climate institutional framework devised as a means to increase energy security and, on the other hand, the political commitment to reduce electricity tariffs through the access to low-priced gas in North America. The chapter underscores the political economy trade-offs between the need for a strong climate commitment that provides a stable long-term energy transition pathway and the political and economic short-term benefits derived from low electricity tariffs.Less
Mexico’s low-carbon technology perspectives show lack of coherence with the rising ambition in climate change commitments, for which Mexico is internationally praised. The comparison of two recent energy reforms, corresponding to two administrations, explains this lack of coherence by, on the one hand, the permanence of a strong climate institutional framework devised as a means to increase energy security and, on the other hand, the political commitment to reduce electricity tariffs through the access to low-priced gas in North America. The chapter underscores the political economy trade-offs between the need for a strong climate commitment that provides a stable long-term energy transition pathway and the political and economic short-term benefits derived from low electricity tariffs.
Joanna I. Lewis
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231153317
- eISBN:
- 9780231526876
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231153317.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
This chapter examines China's rapid rise in the global wind power industry, despite the fact that the nation is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the world's single largest source of ...
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This chapter examines China's rapid rise in the global wind power industry, despite the fact that the nation is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the world's single largest source of emissions. It briefly looks into how China is now succeeding at green innovation rather than just replicating technologies from elsewhere and manufacturing them inexpensively. China's emergence as a green energy leader comes at a time when energy is the topmost concern of most national security agendas, and when climate change is being linked to extreme weather events and disasters. Given global concern about the impact of China's rapidly increasing energy needs on global supplies and its ability almost singlehandedly to change the global climate system, it is worthwhile to understand how and why Beijing has embraced green innovation, which could play a crucial role in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.Less
This chapter examines China's rapid rise in the global wind power industry, despite the fact that the nation is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the world's single largest source of emissions. It briefly looks into how China is now succeeding at green innovation rather than just replicating technologies from elsewhere and manufacturing them inexpensively. China's emergence as a green energy leader comes at a time when energy is the topmost concern of most national security agendas, and when climate change is being linked to extreme weather events and disasters. Given global concern about the impact of China's rapidly increasing energy needs on global supplies and its ability almost singlehandedly to change the global climate system, it is worthwhile to understand how and why Beijing has embraced green innovation, which could play a crucial role in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
