Abstract
The evolution of humanity has led to a close coexistence with science and technology, making energy use vital for daily activities. However, this progress has also resulted in the overexploitation of resources, highlighting the need to transition to low-carbon technologies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The energy sector plays a critical role in climate action, contributing about 70% of greenhouse gases. Thus, it’s imperative to decarbonize this sector through better energy management to reduce its negative impact. Despite the availability of necessary energy technologies, a shift towards more sustainable energy use and management will not occur until society embraces and adopts low-carbon technologies. Enhancing energy literacy is essential to achieve energy democratization, allowing people to manage energy services more sustainably. The research done in the project ‘UKRI-GCRF Energy Solidarity in Latin America [ESLtinA]’ (ES/T006382/1) presents strategies to improve energy literacy in vulnerable communities, recognizing technology as a social process. The focus is on how energy contributes to well-being and demonstrates sustainable solutions based on solar energy. One aspect of this approach is integrating humanities with energy concepts, while another is the adoption of solar technologies that are acceptable both economically and socially. The interventions underline the importance of avoiding top-down, welfare-oriented approaches that do not fully address the complexities of the energy transition. Instead, integrative and participatory strategies are crucial. These approaches foster a deeper understanding of people’s realities and energy contexts, promoting meaningful advancements in transforming the energy sector socially and sustainably.
Presenters
Luisa Fernanda RuizStudent, Bachelor in Engineering, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico Karla F. Ricalde
Karla G. Cedano
Head , Technology Management and Liaison, UNAM Instituto de Energías Renovables, Morelos, Mexico
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Energy Literacy, Social Process, Energy Democratization, Hummmanities And Energy, Transition
