Energy is foundational to our lives, but around 78% of global greenhouse gas emissions originate from energy production and consumption. Transitioning from fossil fuel based energy to renewable energy sources and changing the ways in which energy is produced and used require policy measures that affect several aspects of peoples’ everyday lives. However, the impacts of these measures do not affect people equally. Socially and economically vulnerable groups often both benefit less of the advantages of the transition, such as access to renewable energy, and are more affected by its burdens, such as rising fuel costs.
Successful climate action requires wide public acceptance and fair and just treatment of all citizens. A just transition entails that everyone’s voice is heard and the benefits and costs are distributed fairly. My PhD project explores the effects of energy transition on citizens in a socially or economically disadvantaged position.
ENCIT – Citizens, everyday life and tensions in the energy transition
I’m doing my PhD as part of an Academy of Finland funded research project Citizens, everyday life and tensions in the energy transition led by professor Eva Heiskanen. The project investigates challenges encountered by ordinary citizens in the energy transition and possibilities to overcome them. Four in-depth cases are explored: the equity effects of the electrification of transport, the changing relationships between energy companies and consumers, the challenges encountered by users of energy-smart buildings and energy poverty among low-income owner of homes in need of refurbishment.
Read more about the research project here: https://blogs.helsinki.fi/citizens-energy-transition/