Print3.3 Changes in Economy and Society
Changes in Economic Production
Energy and environment science and technology present possibilities that could potentially transform the shape of economic production, output, market arrangements, etc. For example, if developments in renewable energy can begin to produce long-lasting and economically feasible means for producing reliable energy at significantly reduced price, competitive advantage will typically drive producers towards adoption of new energy production techniques, which could have broad-reaching implications for economic conditions globally.
Daily Functions
It is crucial to ask whether the research could impact how society functions on a day-to-day basis; for example, how we grow food, produce energy, etc. Energy innovations will certainly have sweeping impacts across many aspects of society, aspects and issues which need to be contemplated in the formulation of research and design trajectories, and not just after the fact of invention.
Public Understanding
The public understanding of energy and environment systems presents significant challenges, particularly in trying to communicate risks, challenges, etc. Further, rising to the challenge of a prepared “sustainable energy” workforce is very much a concern of K-Graduate education.
Social Production
Transformations in energy and environment systems will inevitably present challenging questions about economic growth, social welfare, and public goods, the education of both future energy and environment scientists, increases in public understanding of energy systems, etc. The full arrival of sustainable energy based manufacturing will also have profound effects on traditional modes of fabrication and production.