Transitions in Energy Systems: The Mitigation-Adaptation Relationship

The study of large technological systems from a social science perspective assumes that it is possible to build up a systematic knowledge of the transitions of those systems through comparative analysis. Although the assumption is fundamental to an science and technology studies (STS) perspective on...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inScience as culture Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 197 - 203
Main Author Hess, David J.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Routledge 01.06.2013
Subjects
adaptation
Adaptation to change
Climate Change
Comparative Analysis
Electricity
Energy
Energy transition
Knowledge
mitigation
Resilience
Science and technology
Sociology of science
Sustainability
Technology
technology transitions
Transportation
Twenty First Century
Values
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Summary:The study of large technological systems from a social science perspective assumes that it is possible to build up a systematic knowledge of the transitions of those systems through comparative analysis. Although the assumption is fundamental to an science and technology studies (STS) perspective on energy transitions, there are also historical differences that are especially relevant for the case of the technological transition to low-carbon energy systems in the twenty-first century. Previous energy transitions, such as from horse-powered to machine-powered transportation or from gaslight systems to electric lighting, can provide valuable insights, but the limitations of such comparisons should also be recognized. This essay will discuss the value of an STS perspective rooted in the sociology of technology design, and it will focus on one significant difference between the current energy transition and those of previous eras: the intertwining of an energy transition based on sustainability and climate-change mitigation with one based on resilience and climate adaptation. Reprinted by permission of Carfax Publishing, Taylor & Francis Ltd.
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ISSN:0950-5431
1470-1189
DOI:10.1080/09505431.2013.786987