Energy Synthesis FINAL
Public Attitudes, Understanding, and Engagement in relation to Low-Carbon Energy: A selective review of academic and non-academic literatures Report for RCUK Energy Programme Public Attitudes, Understanding, and Engagement in relation to Low-Carbon Energy: A selective review of academic and non-academic literatures Report for RCUK Energy Programme January 2011 Lorraine Whitmarsh1,2 Paul Upham2,3 Wouter Poortinga1,4 Carly McLachlan2,7 Andrew Darnton5 Patrick Devine-Wright6 Christina Demski1 Fionnguala Sherry-Brennan6 1 School of Psychology, Cardiff University 2 Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research 3 Manchester Business School, University of Manchester 4 Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University 5 AD Research and Analysis 6 School of Geography, University of Exeter 7 School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester 2 Summary and Recommendations 1. Background Purpose of the report This study on public attitudes to, and engagement with, low-carbon energy draws together the results of UK-relevant social research and evidence, as of October 2010, in order to inform the RCUK Energy Programme at both strategic and operational levels. Our sources were identified through a systematic search of bibliographic databases and a formal call for evidence issued to practitioners and academics in order to identify non-academic (‘grey’) sources and forthcoming academic publications. The authors are all active in energy social science research. Overview of the report The report provides an introduction to some of the most relevant social science theory and concepts relating to public engagement (chapter 3), before reviewing findings on attitudes and engagement relating to energy supply, storage and distribution technologies (chapter 4); energy demand attitudes and engagement (chapter 5); and energy systems and research engagement (chapter 6).
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