Researchers provide answers in the energy debate
– popular science anthology paves the way for transformation of the energy system
The world’s energy system must be fundamentally transformed in the coming decades if we are to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. At the same time, a highly polarised debate stands in the way of solutions. The KTH Energy Platform is now publishing an easy-to-read anthology designed to contribute to improved decision making and democratic information based on knowledge.
The anthology, entitled Towards the Energy of the Future - the invisible revolution behind the electrical socket is published by KTH Energy Platform together with Vetenskap & Allmänhet, (Public & Science), VA . In the book, 14 authors focus on energy and the ongoing restructuring of the energy system in particular.
“Current debate about energy supply is extremely polarised. We want to offer a different picture that emphasises the knowledge needed to meet the challenges of future sustainable solutions,” says Christophe Duwig , Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering at KTH, Deputy Director of KTH Energy Platform, and faculty at KTH Climate Action Centre
The energy field is an extremely complex research area and no one can say they fully understand today’s interconnected energy systems. So, cooperation and independent knowledge are required if we are to tackle the task of transforming the energy system.
“We want to start a knowledge-based conversation where together we can find the solutions for the energy system of the future. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we see the anthology as a way to support public debate with an independent knowledge platform,” says Lina Bertling Tjernberg , Professor in Power Grid Technology at KTH and Director of KTH Energy Platform.
Easy to read and packed with knowledge
How did we become so dependent on oil and gas? What exactly is biomass? And can nuclear power be used sustainably? The anthology answers many of the questions that are often overlooked and provides a broad overview of the current state of knowledge. It also includes more unexpected nuggets of information, like how poo can contribute to sustainable development.
Extra effort has been put into making the texts readily accessible with the use of popular scientific language and content. The hope is that the anthology will improve knowledge of energy among politicians, business representatives and the general public. Schools can also use the anthology to broaden and deepen their teaching.
One of the key tasks of a researcher is to share their knowledge, therefore the choice fell on producing a book together with non-profit organisation VA.
“One of the goals of the anthology is to provide a basis for better understanding of the energy field by problematising instead of polarising. As energy researchers, it’s our task to help enable the acceleration of our energy system transformation so that together we can succeed in addressing climate challenges,” says Duwig.
It is also hoped that the anthology will strengthen knowledge ahead of this autumn’s parliamentary elections in Sweden, in which energy is set to be a key issue.
“We haven’t got long to achieve the global climate goals, and the energy debate has so far failed to be constructive. We hope that the anthology will give voters the opportunity to be more source-critical about policy proposals ahead of the autumn election,” says Bertling Tjernberg.
On 24 August a webinar arranged by KTH Energy Platform and VA will be held about the anthology. More information and registration, in Swedish .
Text: Magnus Trogen Pahlén