Fell, MJ, Roelich, K orcid.org/0000-0001-6979-5401 and Middlemiss, L orcid.org/0000-0001-5185-2033 (2022) Realist approaches in energy research to support faster and fairer climate action. Nature Energy, 7 (10). pp. 916-922. ISSN 2058-7546
Abstract
Rapid action is needed in the energy sector to respond to the climate emergency. Here we argue for the increased use of ‘realist’ approaches in sociotechnical energy studies to inform this action. Realist approaches ask not just ‘what works?’, but also ‘for whom, in what circumstances and why?’. They place emphasis on understanding the mechanisms by which outcomes of interventions (such as policies) come about and, crucially, how this depends on contextual factors. This can inform action based on existing learning from a wide range of sectors and disciplines—action that is tailored to be effective in specific contexts, and can respond to the potential for unjust outcomes. In this way they can support justice, interdisciplinary working, and urgency in energy research. We consider limitations and drawbacks of the approach (and responses to these), and present a guide to getting started.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2022, Springer Nature Limited. This is an author produced version of an article published in Nature Energy. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Earth and Environment (Leeds) > Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) (Leeds) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number EU - European Union 945097 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 12 Sep 2022 11:34 |
Last Modified: | 01 Mar 2023 01:13 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Nature Research |
Identification Number: | 10.1038/s41560-022-01093-8 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:190663 |