MACMILLAN The Political Economy of the Low-Carbon Transition: Pathways Beyond Techno-Optimism (International Political Economy Series)

Product Description This book addresses the global need to transition to a low-carbon society and economy by 2050. The authors interrogate the dominant frames used for understanding this challenge and the predominant policy approaches for achieving it. Highlighting the techno-optimism that informs our current understanding and policy options, Kirby and O’Mahony draw on the lessons of international development to situate the transition within a political economy framework. Assisted by thinking on future scenarios, they critically examine the range of pathways being implemented by both developed and developing countries, identifying the prevailing forms of climate capitalism led by technology. Based on evidence that this is inadequate to achieve a low-carbon and sustainable society, the authors identify an alternative approach. This advance emerges from community initiatives, discussions on postcapitalism and debates about wellbeing and degrowth. The re-positioning of society and environment at the core of development can be labelled “ecosocialism” – a concept which must be tempered against the conditions created by Trumpism and Brexit. Review “In a clear and powerful argument, grounded in evidence from a wide range of sources, this book will persuade you that only eco-socialism can solve the climate crisis and ensure our survival.” (Professor Jacklyn Cock, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa) “Solutions to the wicked problem of climate change go far beyond technological innovations and require economic and social transformation. Kirby and O’Mahony provide a concise account of the dilemma and a guide to some ways forward.” (Professor Max Koch, Lund University, Sweden, author of Capitalism and Climate Change, Palgrave Macmillan, 2012)  “This book perceives the climate crisis as embedded in the overarching crisis of modernity, drawing attention to the deep drivers threatening our future, such as dominant values, norms, and institutions.” (Paul Raskin, President of the Tellus Institute, USA) “This book could not be more timely. It puts the political economy at centre-stage, where it belongs. It links ‘low-carbon’ development with markets and political drivers, highlights the limits of technological responses, and the necessity and opportunity of political renewal.” (Corinne Le Quéré, University of East Anglia, UK) “This book gives fresh insights into the political economy underpinning radical pathways to lowcarbon societies, with examples of successes.” (Terry Barker, University of Cambridge, UK) From the Back Cover This book addresses the global need to transition to a low-carbon society and economy by 2050. The authors interrogate the dominant frames used for understanding this challenge and the predominant policy approaches for achieving it. Highlighting the techno-optimism that informs our current understanding and policy options, Kirby and O’Mahony draw on the lessons of international development to situate the transition within a political economy framework. Assisted by thinking on future scenarios, they critically examine the range of pathways being implemented by both developed and developing countries, identifying the prevailing forms of climate capitalism led by technology. Based on evidence that this is inadequate to achieve a low-carbon and sustainable society, the authors identify an alternative approach. This advance emerges from community initiatives, discussions on postcapitalism and debates about wellbeing and degrowth. The re-positioning of society and environment at the core of development can be labelled “ecosocialism” – a concept which must be tempered against the conditions created by Trumpism and Brexit. About the Author Peadar Kirby is Professor Emeritus of International Politics and Public Policy at the University of Limerick, Ireland. He has published widely on models of development, and on political economy. His latest book is Transitioning to a Post-Carbon Society: Degrowth, Aus