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Mixed feelings: a review and research agenda for emotions in sustainability transitions

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Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:09
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journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:09 authored by Mari MartiskainenMari Martiskainen, Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool
Low-carbon transitions across energy and transport systems have been widely researched in regards to how transitions are designed, what policies support them, which technologies they entail, and how fast, or slow, they take. Much of this research has focused on examining the agency and behavior of actors and institutions, or examining processes and outcomes, but less weight has been given to human emotions. Based on an explorative systematic review of the sustainability transitions literature, we address a research gap by focusing on how emotions have been reported or examined in transitions concerning energy, buildings and transport. We show that the acceptability and adaptation of new technologies, systems, policies and practices requires people's willingness to change, which itself needs positive emotional commitment. We thus propose a new research agenda for low-carbon transitions that takes into consideration people's emotions as we address climate change and attempt to move to net zero societies.

Funding

UK Centre for Research on Energy Demand; G2424; EPSRC-ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

ISSN

2210-4224

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

40

Page range

609-624

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2021-10-26

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-11-11

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-10-26

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