Energy Transitions Towards Low Carbon Resilience: Evaluation of Disaster-Triggered Local and Regional Cases

Yekang Ko, Brendan F. D. Barrett, Andrea E. Copping, Ayyoob Sharifi, Masaru Yarime and Xin Wang
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Yekang Ko: School of Architecture and Environment, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
Brendan F. D. Barrett: Center for the Study of Co*Design, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan
Andrea E. Copping: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98019, USA
Ayyoob Sharifi: Graduate School of International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan
Masaru Yarime: Division of Public Policy, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
Xin Wang: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 23, 1-23

Abstract: Following numerous global scientific studies and major international agreements, the decarbonization of energy systems is an apparent and pressing concern. The consequence of continued emission growth tied to rising global average temperatures is difficult to predict, but against a background of other natural and human-induced disasters, may create a situation, from a positive perspective, where each disaster event triggers “build back better” responses designed to speed the transition toward low carbon, resilience-oriented energy systems. This article examines the potential for disaster-triggered responses in communities, at various local and regional levels, in four industrial economies in the Asia Pacific region: Japan, China, Australia, and the USA. Seven case studies were evaluated against a set of criteria that exemplify the key aspects of resilient energy systems. The research results suggest that a new space of innovation does emerge in post-disaster situations at a range of local and regional scales. The greatest potential benefit and opportunity for significant gains, however, appears to manifest at the small community level, and the ultimate challenge relates to how to mainstream local innovations into state and national level transformation on energy systems so as to enhance resilience and promote rapid decarbonization.

Keywords: climate change; resilience; energy; disasters; transitions; community; local; sub-national; decarbonization; innovations; pathways; triggers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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