Creating a better energy future for us all
What is the place of energy in human life?
The global consumption of energy is rising at an astonishing rate and to sustain this demand, energy producers are relying on increasingly innovative ways of harvesting energy from hydrocarbons, nuclear and renewable resources. As a necessary but precious component for living, the energy that is produced, distributed and consumed raises fundamental questions about what we consider to be right or good.
Applying insights and methods from anthropology and beyond, this multi-disciplinary project seeks to open up a truly novel line of enquiry that takes seriously the importance of ethical sensibility in our energy relationships. Focusing on the events, processes and materials involved, this project positions people as not only central to, but also responsible for our larger energy predicament as we ask: How would we like to sustain human and other life?
Mark 25-26 February on your calendars for the launch of the Centre for Energy Ethics! This two-day virtual event will kick-off on 25 February with The Art of Energy, where artists will exhibit their works and compete for one of three cash prizes. We ask artists to...
Energy Ethics Project Lead Investigator Dr Mette M High has been invited to join the Screening Committee for the St Andrews Prize for the Environment. Dr High will be on the Committee for an initial period of two years.
In keeping with the University of St Andrews’ Green Week, the St Andrews Institute for Gender Studies will host a presentation via Teams on ‘Climate Change’ as part of their Internal Speaker series.
We are excited to announce the publication of “Energy and Ethics?” – a Special Issue of the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute edited by Mette M. High and Jessica M. Smith.
by Sean Field and Mette M. High
When West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil plummeted to a closing price of –US $37.63 on 20 April 2020, the spot price of Brent crude oil only fell to US $17.36. This striking price difference between these two rival crude oil benchmarks highlights important dynamics that pertain to not only the supply and demand of oil, but also the social construction of futures markets.
In Mexico, the energy transition is the subject of an increasingly heated debate. Despite the president’s vow to de-privatise the energy industry and foster renewables, grassroots activists are questioning the government’s new course; they deem its energy policies as unjust and unequal, aimed at favouring the economic interests of private companies instead of addressing the needs of the people, and claim for alternative energy transitions.
We are always looking for new talent to join our ever growing team. PhD students and post-doctoral scholars who are keen to base their research activities here are welcome to contact us. Any current opportunities will also be announced here.