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Energy Transitions Towards Low Carbon Resilience: Evaluation of Disaster-Triggered Local and Regional Cases

Author

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  • Yekang Ko

    (School of Architecture and Environment, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA)

  • Brendan F. D. Barrett

    (Center for the Study of Co*Design, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan)

  • Andrea E. Copping

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98019, USA)

  • Ayyoob Sharifi

    (Graduate School of International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan
    Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan)

  • Masaru Yarime

    (Division of Public Policy, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
    Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy, University College London, London WC1E 6JA, UK
    Graduate School of Public Policy, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan)

  • Xin Wang

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China)

Abstract

Following numerous global scientific studies and major international agreements, the decarbonization of energy systems is an apparent and pressing concern. The consequence of continued emission growth tied to rising global average temperatures is difficult to predict, but against a background of other natural and human-induced disasters, may create a situation, from a positive perspective, where each disaster event triggers “build back better” responses designed to speed the transition toward low carbon, resilience-oriented energy systems. This article examines the potential for disaster-triggered responses in communities, at various local and regional levels, in four industrial economies in the Asia Pacific region: Japan, China, Australia, and the USA. Seven case studies were evaluated against a set of criteria that exemplify the key aspects of resilient energy systems. The research results suggest that a new space of innovation does emerge in post-disaster situations at a range of local and regional scales. The greatest potential benefit and opportunity for significant gains, however, appears to manifest at the small community level, and the ultimate challenge relates to how to mainstream local innovations into state and national level transformation on energy systems so as to enhance resilience and promote rapid decarbonization.

Suggested Citation

  • Yekang Ko & Brendan F. D. Barrett & Andrea E. Copping & Ayyoob Sharifi & Masaru Yarime & Xin Wang, 2019. "Energy Transitions Towards Low Carbon Resilience: Evaluation of Disaster-Triggered Local and Regional Cases," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-23, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:23:p:6801-:d:292564
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mikhail Chester & Mounir El Asmar & Samantha Hayes & Cheryl Desha, 2021. "Post-Disaster Infrastructure Delivery for Resilience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Ziyi Wang & Zengqiao Chen & Cuiping Ma & Ronald Wennersten & Qie Sun, 2022. "Nationwide Evaluation of Urban Energy System Resilience in China Using a Comprehensive Index Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-36, February.
    3. Hadi Alizadeh & Ayyoob Sharifi, 2020. "Assessing Resilience of Urban Critical Infrastructure Networks: A Case Study of Ahvaz, Iran," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-20, May.

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