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Explore the challenges in transforming energy use with focus on renewable sources and consumption habits. Learn about the urgent need for change and business involvement in creating sustainable products. Source: WWF
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Dilemmas related to tranformingthewaysweuseenergy Harold Wilhite Research Director, SUM (Centre for Development and theEnvironment) and AcademicDirector, Interfaculty program MILEN (Environmentalchange and sustainableenergy) Unica Green AcademicFootprint 3-4 May, Un. of Oslo
The energy dilemma • Essential to development • Finiteresources • Every form for energyuse has environmentalconsequences • Contribution to climatechange
Distributionofresearch and policy effort, production and consumption Production: Increaseshareofrenewables Increasetechnicalefficiency Clean or store end-of-pipepollutants Reduce consumption
The consumer as conceptualized in energysavingsresearch and policy She is atomized, economicallyrational, fullyreflexive, and fullyagentive
The littlethat has beendoneonconsumption: • Equatesconsumptionwithindividuals • Neglectsthesocial and material contributions to demand (norms, performance, builtenvironment, construction of choice) • Neglectsthepower of routines and habits
The energy/climate dilemma demands • A greater sense of urgency and a longer term perspective • A more robust theory on consumption and change. • The participation of business. Sustainable products need to be made more available, attractive and affordable.