Unveiling resistance and opposition against low-carbon energy transitions: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The growing energy demand has increased the necessity for low-carbon energy transition to tackle climate change. Although existing literature primarily centres on the acceptance of these changes and their technologies, the growing number of low-carbon initiatives and renewable energy projects has prompted a substantial increase in literature exploring the social, political, and cultural resistance and opposition to these shifts. This study systematically analyses current literature to scrutinise the encountered resistance in transitioning toward a lowcarbon economy. It extensively investigates the factors driving resistance across micro, meso, and macro levels, specifically focusing on three technology categories: consumer technologies, renewable energy, and smart energy systems. By synthesising insights from diverse studies that explore the political, social, economic, and cultural contexts of resistance, the primary aim is to contribute to the existing knowledge on energy transition and to provide insights that support more socially sustainable and democratic pathways toward low-carbon societies. Moreover, this study presents policy recommendations to address existing and potential resistance and opposition in this transition. Highlighting the distinctive aspects of each resistance case stresses the significance of acknowledging local intricacies and nuances in comprehending and addressing this resistance.