Researchers at Indiana University have developed a new method for identifying communities that may be negatively affected by clean energy policies designed to hasten the move from fossil fuels to more environmentally friendly solutions.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a new method for identifying communities that may be negatively affected by clean energy policies designed to hasten the move from fossil fuels to more environmentally friendly solutions.
Renewable and sustainable sources can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner air and opportunities for economic growth. But the change from fossil fuel to new energy is not always easy to make and does not impact all communities -- or individuals -- equally.
"The energy transition will bring many benefits to society," said Sanya Carley, an associate professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Bloomington. "But the benefits, as well as the costs, will not be dispersed proportionately across society. My co-authors and I embarked on this study because we believe that it is important to study the distribution of benefits and burdens and to help the policy- and decision-maker community identify those populations that are most vulnerable."
Carley is one of the authors of "A framework for evaluating geographic disparities in energy transition vulnerability," which was published online today by the journal Nature Energy.
Read more at Indiana University
Image: This is Sanya Carley. (Credit: Indiana University)
