Problems of methodology and method in climate and energy research: Socialising climate change?. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goodman, James; Marshall, Jonathan Paul
• Is Part Of: Energy research & social science. Volume 45(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Methodology -- Method -- Decarbonisation -- Interdisciplinarity -- Social science; Power resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2018.08.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-6296

Abstract

Abstract: The article introduces a Special Issue on problems of methodology and method in climate and energy research. It charts the urgent and growing focus on 'socialising' emission reduction and climate stability into energy policy. This decarbonisation agenda is read as an exercise of 'purposive' climate agency, designed to achieve climate stability. Contributors to the Special Issue focus on the challenges this poses for energy research, in terms of methodology and method. The articles are grouped across seven key themes: 1) problems of knowledge production; 2) researching norms and ideologies; 3) grappling with inter-disciplinarity and multiple methods; 4) exploring energy culture and behaviour; 5) comparative and multilevel studies; 6) temporal and longitudinal studies; and 7) participatory and action research. The themes and results are debated in terms of cross-cuttingproblems and possibilities for future investigation into how to socialise climate into energy (and vice versa).