The Political Economy of the Low-Carbon Transition: Pathways Beyond Techno-Optimism (International Political Economy Series)

This book addresses the global need to transition to a low-carbon society and economy by 2050. The authors interrogate the dominant frames used for understanding this challenge and the predominant policy approaches for achieving it. Highlighting the techno-optimism that informs our current understanding and policy options, Kirby and O’Mahony draw on the lessons of international development to situate the transition within a political economy framework. Assisted by thinking on future scenarios, they critically examine the range of pathways being implemented by both developed and developing countries, identifying the prevailing forms of climate capitalism led by technology. Based on evidence that this is inadequate to achieve a low-carbon and sustainable society, the authors identify an alternative approach. This advance emerges from community initiatives, discussions on postcapitalism and debates about wellbeing and degrowth. The re-positioning of society and environment at the core of development can be labelled “ecosocialism” – a concept which must be tempered against the conditions created by Trumpism and Brexit. Front Matter ....Pages i-xix Front Matter ....Pages 1-1 Defining the Problem: The Complex Dimensions of the Grave New Threats We Face (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 3-28 Framing the Problem: How the Climate Change Message is Constructed (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 29-55 Addressing the Problem: Understanding Low-Carbon Transition with the Social Sciences (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 57-86 Front Matter ....Pages 87-87 Development Models: Lessons from International Development (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 89-113 Planning Future Pathways: Implications and Outcomes of Scenario Studies (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 115-141 Front Matter ....Pages 143-143 Development and Sustainability in the Wealthiest Regions: Taking the High Road? (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 145-171 Development and Sustainability in the Global South: Different Routes to Transition and a Sustainable Society (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 173-200 Front Matter ....Pages 201-201 Climate Capitalism: How Far Can It Get Us? (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 203-229 Identifying an Emerging Paradigm: Towards Ecosocialism? (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 231-258 Options and Prospects for a Global Low-Carbon Transition (Peadar Kirby, Tadhg O’Mahony)....Pages 259-290 Back Matter ....Pages 291-303 Addressing the global need to transition to a low-carbon society and economy, the authors interrogate the dominant frames used for understanding this challenge and the predominant policy approaches for achieving it