Participatory energy futures as decision support on subnational scales

Abstract

This paper argues the case for participatory exploratory energy futures development to assist net zero emissions decision making on subnational scales (local and regional authorities, communities, and neighbourhoods). There are many challenges for net zero decision making on subnational scales in the United Kingdom including a lack of statutory responsibility and societal consent for the local transformation required, and no allocation of emissions reduction to meet the national net zero emissions legislated target in aggregate. Participatory exploratory energy futures can contribute to addressing these challenges and support local decision making. This is by exploring diverse possible futures and understanding the capacity for local climate change mitigation. Participatory exploratory energy futures can act too as a seeding strategy for wider debates on a preferred local future. A framework for participatory exploratory energy futures using the 2 × 2 matrix method is proposed. It is envisaged that these exercises would be complementary to other activities on subnational scales such as climate assemblies or ‘mini-publics’. Local electoral cycles and a lack of statutory responsibility can lead to there being a focus on implementing mini-public recommendations that are feasible in the near term. The participatory exploratory futures developed explore possibilities for the local energy system and how it may evolve in a holistic manner not just in the near term but the longer term. When local policy and decision making is recognised as aligning with the desired rather than undesired future, this can motivate all in the herculean efforts to avoid dangerous levels of climate change.