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Adonis Yatchew - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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energy projects social licence Public Acceptance and regulatory systems in canada a white paper
Social Science Research Network, 2016Co-Authors: John Colton, Kenneth Corscadden, Stewart Fast, Monica Gattinger, Joel Gehman, Martha Hall Findlay, Dylan E Morgan, Judith Sayers, Jennifer Winter, Adonis YatchewAbstract:This white paper reports on the results of a year-long interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at identifying and summarizing extant research regarding social licence and related concepts, with a particular emphasis on understanding its implications for Public Acceptance of energy projects in Canada, and their related regulatory processes.
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energy projects social licence Public Acceptance and regulatory systems in canada a white paper
The School of Public Policy SPP Research Papers, 2016Co-Authors: John Colton, Kenneth Corscadden, Stewart Fast, Monica Gattinger, Joel Gehman, Martha Hall Findlay, Dylan E Morgan, Judith Sayers, Jennifer Winter, Adonis YatchewAbstract:It has become increasingly difficult in Canada to gain and sustain Public Acceptance of energy projects. Increased levels of protest, combined with traditional media and social media coverage of opposition, combine to suggest decreased Public Acceptance of energy projects. Decision-makers have responded accordingly, and a variety of energy projects have either been delayed or put on hold indefinitely. This is true for both conventional and renewable energy projects and in many different regions across the country. A number of proposed energy projects have recently faced opposition from various stakeholder groups. For instance, the decision of the Joint Review Panel for the Northern Gateway Pipeline is being challenged in Canada’s court system. First Nations groups have issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government that it must choose between Site C (a proposed hydro dam) and liquefied natural gas development in B.C. Rapid expansion of wind energy projects in Ontario has engendered lengthy and costly appeals and the rise of an anti-wind social movement. In Nova Scotia, tidal energy development is being positioned as a new renewable energy option; gaining Public Acceptance is critical in light of recent opposition to wind energy development. As these experiences suggest, not only has the regulatory process become more contentious, but also an apparently new concept — social licence — has had popular appeal. This white paper reports on the results of a year-long interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at identifying and summarizing extant research regarding social licence and related concepts, with a particular emphasis on understanding its implications for Public Acceptance of energy projects in Canada, and their related regulatory processes. In particular, this research addressed the following questions: 1. What is the history and scope of the term ‘social licence’, both in the context of energy project development and more generally? What are the strengths and limitations of this term? How does it help or hinder energy policy, regulatory debates and decision-making? 2. What are the similarities and differences between the notion of social licence and established concepts and other concepts or frameworks? 3. From the standpoint of Public Acceptance of energy projects, is Canada’s regulatory system broken? From whose perspective? And what alternatives might be considered? 4. What are barriers to, and enablers of a licence within the regulatory process — legal, social or otherwise? 5. What role does social licence play in the larger picture: How valid is the concept of social licence? Can social licence actually stop a project, or determine the outcome of an election? Does it create a valuable dialogue about a project? When opposition to projects leads to the arrest of people breaching an injunction or violent confrontations, what role can social licence play in promoting an alternative approach? In addition to a comprehensive look at the concepts of Public Acceptance and social licence and their applications to Canada, this white paper arrives at certain conclusions (Section 5) and makes recommendations (Section 6) for improving Canada’s regulatory systems and improving Public confidence in Canada’s various energy-related regulatory agencies. For instance, as the federal government embarks on its agenda to amend the regulatory process, the research presented here can inform how the government can best carry out its mandate of reform while balancing the economic, environmental, political, social, and security-related issues pertinent to regulators, federal and provincial governments, industry, First Nations, environmental groups and the general Public. The appeal of the term “social licence” derives from the inclusivity and equitability that it seems to imply. But populist pressure for increased voice and regulatory or judicial intervention, arising out of a sense of disaffection or disenfranchisement, is hardly a novel phenomenon: historical context and the lessons learned therefrom are essential in evaluating the idea and situating the debate within a meaningful framework. Social licence entails an additional layer of ‘regulation’, albeit an amorphous one. A central lesson of the 20th century experience is that regulation comes at a cost, and that excessive regulation and intervention can lead to paralysis and ‘government failure’. The implication is that regulation should be relied upon where it is necessary, and should be implemented in sensible ways. One of the conclusions of this report is that Public trust and confidence can be enhanced by rationalizing existing regulatory vehicles to reduce the common perception that decisions are sometimes politically motivated and ensuring that decisions are made at the right levels of government. The institutionalization of social licence also has identifiable risks. It is likely to increase incentives for “rent-seeking behaviour.” The threat of veto, or even obstruction, endows the affected group with leverage that can result in extraction of rents that are disproportionate to impacts. It also increases regulatory and political uncertainty associated with a given project, discouraging investment, or requiring returns higher than are merited by the inherent riskiness of the proposed undertaking. The term “social licence” needs to be further analyzed, and, if used, used with care. The concept originated in the mining sector as the “social licence to operate,” and as the concept has migrated to the energy sector, it appears to have broadened in scope so that its meaning has become unclear, amorphous and confusing. Other terms such as “Acceptance,” “support” or “Public confidence” may be more appropriate in the energy sphere. Regulators, policy-makers and politicians should refrain from the use of these terms without a clear understanding of their implications. Our specific recommendations include: 1. Governmental Coordination. Greater coordination of regulatory processes between the federal and provincial governments is required and should be directed towards enhancing beneficial outcomes for all affected stakeholders (Section 6.1). 2. Stakeholder Engagement. A consistent, transparent and rigorous system for identifying and reaching out to stakeholders is essential to regulatory efficiency and efficacy (Section 6.2). 3. Social Licence as a Concept. When it comes to energy development, the term “social licence” needs to be further analyzed, and, if used, used with care (Section 6.3). 4. First Nations. The federal and provincial governments should take ownership of this duty to consult and ensure that it is done in a comprehensive manner that has been set out by both domestic and international law (Section 6.4). 5. Changes to the NEB Act. An independent review of the changes to the NEB Act regarding time to consult and the list of those who can be consulted should be undertaken to ensure the NEB is unconstrained in its ability to regulate appropriately and has Public confidence in its mandate and decisions (Section 6.5). 6. Make Broader Use of Information Gained during Assessment Processes. Energy regulators should consider mechanisms to report recurring concerns that are outside of the scope of their mandate (Section 6.6). 7. Compliance after Project Approval. There is a need for Publicly available, timely and relevant data relating to the compliance and post-approval status of projects. Data should be placed on a government portal to increase accessibility to stakeholders (Section 6.7). 8. Cross-Examination in Regulatory Hearings. The extensiveness of permitted cross-examination, and indeed the entire regulatory proceeding, needs to be proportionate to the magnitude of the impacts of the ultimate decision (Section 6.8).
Michael Siegrist - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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worldviews trust and risk perceptions shape Public Acceptance of covid 19 Public health measures
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2021Co-Authors: Michael Siegrist, Angela BearthAbstract:Because of the outbreak of COVID-19, most countries have implemented measures aimed at reducing the number of infected people. However, these measures only work if they are generally accepted by the Public. We conducted a two-wave longitudinal survey in Switzerland (n = 1,223) to study the factors that would influence perceived risks and the Acceptance of the measures. Our findings showed that people with individualistic worldviews, high general interpersonal trust, low social trust, a low level of perceived risks, and the conviction that risks other than health risks were neglected had less Acceptance of the implemented measures compared with people who held the opposite views on the mentioned variables. The number of infected people declined between survey waves 1 and 2. This desired effect not only reduced people's perceived risks but also decreased their social trust and increased the conviction that other risks were neglected. Finally, the Acceptance of the measures declined. Our data also support the idea that reduced risk perceptions and a decline in social trust are important drivers for the reduction in the Acceptance of the measures in survey wave 2. Our results suggest that as soon as the measures attain success or the Public is tired of the implemented restrictions, Public Acceptance declines, and it seems difficult to prolong the measures as may be desirable from an epidemiological standpoint. The importance of worldviews and trust for Public Acceptance of the measures further suggests the necessity of a political discussion about the implemented measures.
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Public Acceptance of high voltage power lines the influence of information provision on undergrounding
Energy Policy, 2018Co-Authors: Pascal Lienert, Bernadette Sutterlin, Michael SiegristAbstract:Abstract In Switzerland, the planned transformation of the energy system creates a need for grid expansions. However, grid expansion projects often confront social Acceptance issues. The Public prefers high-voltage power lines (HVPLs) to be buried underground. Despite the perceived advantages of undergrounding, underground HVPLs can leave visible traces on the surface and are accompanied by electromagnetic field emissions. Given the importance of visual and health impacts on Public Acceptance of HVPLs, the present study investigates whether providing people with relevant information on these aspects of undergrounding influences people's perception. The results show that, after receiving this information, participants viewed underground HVPLs with lower Acceptance, lower perceived benefits, higher perceived risks, and less positive feelings. Although Public Acceptance remained higher for underground HVPLs compared with overhead HVPLs, our study reveals that information provision reduces perceived differences between the two technologies. Furthermore, our results show that affective reactions to underground HVPLs have an indirect effect on Public Acceptance. We conclude that providing people with relevant information on possible drawbacks related to undergrounding is a necessary precondition for informed decision-making in the context of grid expansions.
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Public Acceptance of renewable energy technologies from an abstract versus concrete perspective and the positive imagery of solar power
Energy Policy, 2017Co-Authors: Bernadette Sutterlin, Michael SiegristAbstract:Abstract Public Acceptance and perception of renewable energy sources are key factors for successfully accomplishing an energy transition. In this light, developing effective policy and communication measures necessitates understanding how people perceive energy systems. Accordingly, the present study aimed to shed light on people's imagery of solar power, one of the renewable energy sources with the highest potential. Results revealed that almost unanimously people associate solar power with highly positive imagery and that visual characteristics are especially prevalent. The successful realization of renewable energy projects requires policymakers to draw on reliable data about Public Acceptance of renewables. In response to this need, the present study examined whether assessing Public Acceptance of renewables on a more concrete level (i.e., by addressing drawbacks) can result in a different, more reliable Acceptance rating than assessment on an abstract level, as done at present in opinion polls. Results showed that people do not think about drawbacks related to renewables when they consider it from a general, more abstract, perspective. However, when downsides are specifically addressed, people integrate these into their evaluation, thus diminishing Acceptance. Even the highly positive imagery of solar power is relativized and Acceptance decreases. These findings have several important implications for policymakers.
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Public Acceptance of CCS system elements: A conjoint measurement
International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 2012Co-Authors: Lasse Wallquist, Selma L’orange Seigo, Vivianne H.m. Visschers, Michael SiegristAbstract:Abstract The aim of the present study is to examine Public preferences regarding the characteristics of the three elements of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS): capture, pipeline, and storage. A random sample of 139 Swiss citizens received basic information about CCS online and then participated in an experiment. A conjoint measurement of CCS Acceptance and analysis of variance was used to examine respondents’ preferences for characteristics of CCS elements. This approach allowed respondents to make trade-offs by expressing preferences for complete CCS systems instead of evaluating single elements in isolation. Our results show that people put most emphasis on pipelines near their homes and on the type of plant the CO 2 originates from. A “Not in my backyard (NIMBY) effect” was found both for pipelines and storage. This NIMBY effect, however, disappears when CO 2 from a biogas-fired plant is used for the injection. We conclude that it may be possible to avoid the NIMBY effect for geological storage field trials by using bioenergy with carbon dioxide capture and storage (BECCS).
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factors influencing Public Acceptance of innovative food technologies and products
Trends in Food Science and Technology, 2008Co-Authors: Michael SiegristAbstract:Factors that influence Public Acceptance of innovative technologies and products in the food area were determined. Results suggest that perceived benefit, perceived risks and perceived naturalness are important factors for the Acceptance of new food technologies. Lay people may not only have difficulties in assessing risks associated with novel food technologies, but the benefits of such technologies may also not be obvious. Trust, therefore, is important for the Acceptance of new food technologies. Finally, the impact of general psychological constructs, such as food neophobia and others, on the Acceptance of new foods is discussed.
John Colton - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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energy projects social licence Public Acceptance and regulatory systems in canada a white paper
Social Science Research Network, 2016Co-Authors: John Colton, Kenneth Corscadden, Stewart Fast, Monica Gattinger, Joel Gehman, Martha Hall Findlay, Dylan E Morgan, Judith Sayers, Jennifer Winter, Adonis YatchewAbstract:This white paper reports on the results of a year-long interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at identifying and summarizing extant research regarding social licence and related concepts, with a particular emphasis on understanding its implications for Public Acceptance of energy projects in Canada, and their related regulatory processes.
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energy projects social licence Public Acceptance and regulatory systems in canada a white paper
The School of Public Policy SPP Research Papers, 2016Co-Authors: John Colton, Kenneth Corscadden, Stewart Fast, Monica Gattinger, Joel Gehman, Martha Hall Findlay, Dylan E Morgan, Judith Sayers, Jennifer Winter, Adonis YatchewAbstract:It has become increasingly difficult in Canada to gain and sustain Public Acceptance of energy projects. Increased levels of protest, combined with traditional media and social media coverage of opposition, combine to suggest decreased Public Acceptance of energy projects. Decision-makers have responded accordingly, and a variety of energy projects have either been delayed or put on hold indefinitely. This is true for both conventional and renewable energy projects and in many different regions across the country. A number of proposed energy projects have recently faced opposition from various stakeholder groups. For instance, the decision of the Joint Review Panel for the Northern Gateway Pipeline is being challenged in Canada’s court system. First Nations groups have issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government that it must choose between Site C (a proposed hydro dam) and liquefied natural gas development in B.C. Rapid expansion of wind energy projects in Ontario has engendered lengthy and costly appeals and the rise of an anti-wind social movement. In Nova Scotia, tidal energy development is being positioned as a new renewable energy option; gaining Public Acceptance is critical in light of recent opposition to wind energy development. As these experiences suggest, not only has the regulatory process become more contentious, but also an apparently new concept — social licence — has had popular appeal. This white paper reports on the results of a year-long interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at identifying and summarizing extant research regarding social licence and related concepts, with a particular emphasis on understanding its implications for Public Acceptance of energy projects in Canada, and their related regulatory processes. In particular, this research addressed the following questions: 1. What is the history and scope of the term ‘social licence’, both in the context of energy project development and more generally? What are the strengths and limitations of this term? How does it help or hinder energy policy, regulatory debates and decision-making? 2. What are the similarities and differences between the notion of social licence and established concepts and other concepts or frameworks? 3. From the standpoint of Public Acceptance of energy projects, is Canada’s regulatory system broken? From whose perspective? And what alternatives might be considered? 4. What are barriers to, and enablers of a licence within the regulatory process — legal, social or otherwise? 5. What role does social licence play in the larger picture: How valid is the concept of social licence? Can social licence actually stop a project, or determine the outcome of an election? Does it create a valuable dialogue about a project? When opposition to projects leads to the arrest of people breaching an injunction or violent confrontations, what role can social licence play in promoting an alternative approach? In addition to a comprehensive look at the concepts of Public Acceptance and social licence and their applications to Canada, this white paper arrives at certain conclusions (Section 5) and makes recommendations (Section 6) for improving Canada’s regulatory systems and improving Public confidence in Canada’s various energy-related regulatory agencies. For instance, as the federal government embarks on its agenda to amend the regulatory process, the research presented here can inform how the government can best carry out its mandate of reform while balancing the economic, environmental, political, social, and security-related issues pertinent to regulators, federal and provincial governments, industry, First Nations, environmental groups and the general Public. The appeal of the term “social licence” derives from the inclusivity and equitability that it seems to imply. But populist pressure for increased voice and regulatory or judicial intervention, arising out of a sense of disaffection or disenfranchisement, is hardly a novel phenomenon: historical context and the lessons learned therefrom are essential in evaluating the idea and situating the debate within a meaningful framework. Social licence entails an additional layer of ‘regulation’, albeit an amorphous one. A central lesson of the 20th century experience is that regulation comes at a cost, and that excessive regulation and intervention can lead to paralysis and ‘government failure’. The implication is that regulation should be relied upon where it is necessary, and should be implemented in sensible ways. One of the conclusions of this report is that Public trust and confidence can be enhanced by rationalizing existing regulatory vehicles to reduce the common perception that decisions are sometimes politically motivated and ensuring that decisions are made at the right levels of government. The institutionalization of social licence also has identifiable risks. It is likely to increase incentives for “rent-seeking behaviour.” The threat of veto, or even obstruction, endows the affected group with leverage that can result in extraction of rents that are disproportionate to impacts. It also increases regulatory and political uncertainty associated with a given project, discouraging investment, or requiring returns higher than are merited by the inherent riskiness of the proposed undertaking. The term “social licence” needs to be further analyzed, and, if used, used with care. The concept originated in the mining sector as the “social licence to operate,” and as the concept has migrated to the energy sector, it appears to have broadened in scope so that its meaning has become unclear, amorphous and confusing. Other terms such as “Acceptance,” “support” or “Public confidence” may be more appropriate in the energy sphere. Regulators, policy-makers and politicians should refrain from the use of these terms without a clear understanding of their implications. Our specific recommendations include: 1. Governmental Coordination. Greater coordination of regulatory processes between the federal and provincial governments is required and should be directed towards enhancing beneficial outcomes for all affected stakeholders (Section 6.1). 2. Stakeholder Engagement. A consistent, transparent and rigorous system for identifying and reaching out to stakeholders is essential to regulatory efficiency and efficacy (Section 6.2). 3. Social Licence as a Concept. When it comes to energy development, the term “social licence” needs to be further analyzed, and, if used, used with care (Section 6.3). 4. First Nations. The federal and provincial governments should take ownership of this duty to consult and ensure that it is done in a comprehensive manner that has been set out by both domestic and international law (Section 6.4). 5. Changes to the NEB Act. An independent review of the changes to the NEB Act regarding time to consult and the list of those who can be consulted should be undertaken to ensure the NEB is unconstrained in its ability to regulate appropriately and has Public confidence in its mandate and decisions (Section 6.5). 6. Make Broader Use of Information Gained during Assessment Processes. Energy regulators should consider mechanisms to report recurring concerns that are outside of the scope of their mandate (Section 6.6). 7. Compliance after Project Approval. There is a need for Publicly available, timely and relevant data relating to the compliance and post-approval status of projects. Data should be placed on a government portal to increase accessibility to stakeholders (Section 6.7). 8. Cross-Examination in Regulatory Hearings. The extensiveness of permitted cross-examination, and indeed the entire regulatory proceeding, needs to be proportionate to the magnitude of the impacts of the ultimate decision (Section 6.8).
Nadejda Komendantova - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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beyond decide announce defend dad and not in my backyard nimby models addressing the social and Public Acceptance of electric transmission lines in germany
Energy research and social science, 2016Co-Authors: Nadejda Komendantova, Antonella BattagliniAbstract:Energy transition in Germany requires deployment of new electricity transmission infrastructure, such as new electricity grids, which faces opposition of communities, where infrastructure is planned. Scientific evidence on differences in socal and Public Acceptance is limited and in combination to a particular type of infrastructure, such as electricity transmission networks, is almost non-existant. Also there is an additional need to understand how Acceptance, which is more a passive attitute towards something imposed top-down, can be changed to willingness of participation. Based on several methods of stakeholders dialogue such as survey, feedback forms and observation on the site of Public information events, this paper addresses social and Public Acceptance issues in two electricity transmission pilot projects. In doing so, it advances, tests, and refines core tenets from two major streams of thought related to NIMBY (not-in-my-backyard) and decide, announce-defend (DAD) concepts. The study analyzes these themes through a comparison of the Sued.Link connection being realized by the Transmission System Operator TenneT and the Bertikow-Pasewalk connection being realized by the 50Hertz. The results allow us to identify major concerns regarding these two pilot projects as well as to provide recommendations on successfulness of the actions to address these concerns.
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governance of energy transition in iran investigating Public Acceptance and willingness to use renewable energy sources through socio psychological model
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2015Co-Authors: Masoud Yazdanpanah, Nadejda Komendantova, Roshanak Shafiei ArdestaniAbstract:Abstract Despite extensive renewable energy sources (RES) potentials in Iran, their share in current energy mix remains minor comparatively to fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Government strategies and targets for deployment of RES in Iran exist. Also several scientific works were written on technical and economic feasibility of such solution. However, the question about Public Acceptance in Iran of energy transition based on deployment of RES remains open. It this research we assume that socio-psychological factors might play a significant role in Public Acceptance to use RES. We base our research on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), which we expand to investigate the question of willingness to use and Public Acceptance of RES. As one of the methods of analysis, we conducted a survey ( N =260) among Iranian students in the universities of the city of Esfahan, in the center of Iran. We assume that these stakeholders will play a key role in deployment of RES in the future, they will be active as energy project managers, as they are currently studying engineering disciplines, and might contribute to the energy transition in Iran. We analyzed empirical data from the survey with the help of structural equation modeling. Our results show that moral norms, attitudes and perceived behavioral control are significant factors influencing willingness to use and Public Acceptance of RES, while subjective norms and self-identity do not play a significant role.
Luc Deliens - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Public Acceptance of euthanasia in europe a survey study in 47 countries
International Journal of Public Health, 2014Co-Authors: Joachim Cohen, Paul Van Landeghem, Nico Carpentier, Luc DeliensAbstract:Objectives In recent years, the European euthanasia debate has become more intense, and the practice was legalized in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. We aimed to determine the current degree of Public Acceptance of euthanasia across Europe and investigate what factors explain differences.
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Public Acceptance of euthanasia in europe a survey study in 47 countries
International Journal of Public Health, 2014Co-Authors: Joachim Cohen, Nico Carpentier, Luc Deliens, Paul Van LandeghemAbstract:In recent years, the European euthanasia debate has become more intense, and the practice was legalized in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. We aimed to determine the current degree of Public Acceptance of euthanasia across Europe and investigate what factors explain differences. Data were derived from the 2008 wave of the European Values Survey (EVS), conducted in 47 European countries (N = 67,786, response rate = 69 %). Acceptance of euthanasia was rated on a 1–10 scale. Relatively high Acceptance was found in a small cluster of Western European countries, including the three countries that have legalized euthanasia and Denmark, France, Sweden and Spain. In a large part of Europe Public Acceptance was relatively low to moderate. Comparison with the results of the previous EVS wave (1999) suggests a tendency towards a polarization in Europe, with most of Western Europe becoming more permissive and most of Eastern Europe becoming less permissive. There is roughly a West-East division in euthanasia Acceptance among the European Public, making a pan-European policy approach to the issue difficult.
