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Energy is one of the fundamental topics taught in high school physics. However, energy continues to betaught as an abstract concept that removes itself from the social implications energy systems have onsociety, in particular toward Indigenous communities. Given the importance of integrating discussionsaround equity into our science courses, in this study we propose a way in which energy justice can beredefined and included in physics classrooms. Redefining energy justice into physics classrooms allows usto connect energy justice to existing energy physics curriculum and lessons plans. In Summer 2020, 22physics teachers participated in a professional development that centered on discussions around energyand equity. We analyzed and coded teachers’ dialogues and conversations around energy and equity toidentify energy justice pillars. The energy justice pillars we identified formed the basis of an energy justiceframework that redefines energy justice for physics classrooms. This energy justice framework allows usto bridge the separation between physics and social justice, as they continue to be viewed as two separateschools of thought in the field of physics.
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Metrics for Decision-Making in Energy Justice
Energy equity and justice have become priority considerations for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike. To ensure that energy equity is incorporated into actual decisions and analysis, it is necessary to design, use, and continually improve energy equity metrics. In this article, we review the literature and practices surrounding such metrics. We present a working definition for energy justice and equity, and connect them to both criteria for and frameworks of metrics. We then present a large sampling of energy equity metrics, including those focused on vulnerability, wealth creation, energy poverty, life cycle, and comparative country-level dynamics.We conclude with a discussion of the limitations, gaps, and trade-offs associated with these various metrics and their interactions thereof.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2027097
- PAR ID:
- 10497547
- Publisher / Repository:
- annualreviews.org
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Annual Review of Environment and Resources
- Volume:
- 48
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 1543-5938
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 737 to 760
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
-
Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-112621-063400
