Transition to a low carbon economy in the United Kingdom

Author(s):  
Alexander Ebner
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances Drake

Fracking in the United Kingdom has yet to reach full industrial development, but it is still subject to significant opposition. This study uses Beck’s risk society theory and anti-politics to examine the views voiced by opponents to fracking in Yorkshire, England. A qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured interviews with protesters and local newspaper reports were evaluated to provide a thematic analysis. The study drew upon discourse analysis and framing literature to reveal discourses within the interviews. Although there are signs of post-materialist concerns with the environment, these issues did not dominate the discussion. Scientists were not held responsible for the risks involved in fracking. Instead, the economic greediness of politicians and austerity measures were perceived as putting the environment and human health at risk. Interviewees thought fossil fuel energy production was economically advantaged over more sustainable energy and jobs in the low carbon economy. Protesters’ trust in politicians had been eroded, but faith in democracy remained. It is argued that the consensual post-politics of risk society have not led to a reinvigoration of democratic debate. Instead anti-politics have taken place, due to the frustration of citizens. Protesters wanted a citizen-led deliberative approach to the concerns raised. Such a process would have to go beyond the consensual, and recognise the inherently agonistic process of democracy if it is to succeed.


2011 ◽  
Vol 361-363 ◽  
pp. 1897-1900
Author(s):  
Jin Ying Li ◽  
Chun Lian Zhang ◽  
Jun Li Tian

With the globalization of the economy, energy constraints for economic development have become increasingly apparent. Low-carbon economy has become a necessity. China is a big country of energy consumption, the development of low carbon economy has a long way to go. Low carbon economy will be the opportunity of sustainable development,but also the core of enterprises and the national competitiveness in future. China needs to develop appropriate measures,such as learning the experience of a low carbon economy from the United Kingdom and other developed countries, introducing foreign advanced technology, strengthening independent R&D, improving efficiency of energy conversion,further implementing energy conservation based on international standards to achieve a low carbon economy.In this paper, we established a cointegration and error correction model of 1978-2009 China's economic growth and a regression model between energy consumption and industrial structure.Based on the two models,we analyzed the relationship between Chinese economy and the energy consumption.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose A. Mawyin ◽  
Anna Krzywoszynska ◽  
Alastair Buckley ◽  
Nicky Gregson ◽  
Matt Watson ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe United Kingdom aims to decarbonize its national electricity generation in order to transition to a low carbon economy. Solar, wind, hydro and thermal energy conversion are renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and are currently being explored that may form part of the future generation mix of the country.How does materials scientist's work addressing energy research challenges for solar and storage (for example) translate into the adoption of new technology? How appropriate are the technology usage visions of the scientists? How can technology users better inform the materials science motivations? This report will focus on how a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the Universities of Sheffield and University of Durham, community members and industry representatives are jointly developing renewable energy projects to try to answer these and other questions. The history of the project will be presented as well as the methodology used to collaboratively engage the community participants.This work is supported by a grant provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) of the United Kingdom.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document