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Cultural and socio‐economic determinants of energy consumption on small remote islands
Author(s) -
Lenzen Manfred,
Krishnapillai Murukesan,
Talagi Deveraux,
Quintal Jodie,
Quintal Denise,
Grant Ron,
Abraham Simpson,
Ehmes Cindy,
Murray Joy
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
natural resources forum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1477-8947
pISSN - 0165-0203
DOI - 10.1111/1477-8947.12030
Subject(s) - renewable energy , per capita , natural resource economics , electricity , business , consumption (sociology) , population , earnings , energy consumption , economics , per capita income , economic growth , geography , ecology , social science , demography , accounting , sociology , electrical engineering , biology , engineering
In this cross‐country analysis of four small and remote islands, we integrate multiple dimensions of socio‐economic demographic data, such as population, land area, remoteness, tourist arrivals and earnings, export earnings, financial support, average incomes, fuel and electricity prices, penetration of renewable energy sources, and motor vehicle usage; we compare these characteristics with per capita use of energy carriers such as electricity, petrol and diesel. From these characteristics, we identify key determinants of energy consumption in the islands. Whereas we focus on energy, our analysis also applies to emissions of carbon and energy‐related pollutants. Our results indicate that cultural and social contexts are at least as relevant for policymaking as economic and technological aspects. We suggest that in small island developing States there is scope for policymaking to at the same time: reduce economic vulnerability due to dependence on imported fossil fuels; reduce environmental impact; and progress sustainable development. Such progress can be implemented through peer‐to‐peer learning programmes facilitated by targeted international cooperation and partnerships.