Energy and Transport in Green Transition ─ Perspectives on Ecomodernity

This book breaks new ground in the studies of green transition. It frames the ongoing transformation in terms of a "battle of modernities" with the emerging vision of ecomodernity as the final destination. It also offers a systematic exploration of the potential for extensive transformation of carbon-intensive sectors – with a focus on energy and transport – towards a low or post-carbon economy. The book does so in a comparative perspective, by pointing to a diversity of techno-economic and institutional solutions in the mature Western economies, and in the rapidly growing East and developing South. The contributors highlight a broad spectrum of available alternatives as well as illuminate conflicting interests involved. They also demonstrate how solutions to the climate challenge require parallel technological and governance innovation. The book advocates a new, overarching vision and agenda of ecomodernity – based on a synergistic paradigm-shift in industry, politics and culture – to trigger and sustain the ecological innovation necessary to tip development in a green direction. This vision cannot be monolithic; rather, it should reflect the diverse interests and conditions of the global population.

This book is aimed at researchers and postgraduate students of energy, transport, environmental and climate policies, as well as development, environment, innovation and sustainability.

Atle Midttun is professor at the Norwegian School of Management, Institute of Innovation and Economic Organisation, Director of the Centre for Corporate Responsibility, and Co-Director of the Centre for Energy and Environment.

Nina Witoszek is research professor at the Centre for Development and the Environment at the University of Oslo. Prior to joining Oslo University she lectured at the Universities of Oxford, the National University of Ireland in Galway, and the European University in Florence, Italy.