De Gruyter Handbook on the Psychology of Energy Transitions

Limiting climate change will require a global shift in the way energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. While much of the discourse thus far has gravitated toward technological innovation, a successful energy transition also depends on how individuals and communities respond to it, from the technologies they adopt to the projects and policies they support or oppose. This handbook examines the challenges of—and opportunities for—engaging the public in this transition. A distinctive feature of this volume is its practical, modular organization. Instead of a traditional focus on core psychological concepts, content is structured around specific energy transition strategies. The volume looks at four ways the public may interact with the energy transition: managing everyday electricity use, adopting energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies, supporting or opposing transition initiatives, and responding to proposals for large-scale, emergent energy and carbon management technologies. By taking this applied approach, the book shows how psychological insights can inform the design, implementation, and public reception of these initiatives—while also helping readers build a deeper understanding of the behavioral science principles that cut across these different contexts.