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Response to question "What are most important energy issues in the future?" from residents of Eastern Ontario Highlands surveyed February to May, 2011
Source publication
Abstract
As governments seek to expand generation capacity from sources such as solar farms, wind turbines, hydroelectric and biomass generators, rural responses to renewable energy become increasingly important. In early 2011 we conducted a mail-out survey of permanent residents, a concurrent internet-based survey of seasonal residents and follow-...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... than 90% of residents agreed that costs and reliability are important energy issues for the future (Figure 2). Support was also high for using local energy sources (83%) but residents were less sure of there being a need to avoid fossil fuels (51% agree). A high proportion of residents (89%) think it is important to look for alternative ways to use and obtain energy. In terms of personal habits 92% indicated they find ways to reduce use of energy to save money while 75% indicated they do so to help the ...
Citations
... Building up on their proposal, research within the first wave of research on people's responses to RET can then be designated the normative approaches, given that they generally depart from the assumption that the social side of RET has to be better understood in order to reduce public opposition so that RET can be easily deployed and contribute to the greater good of mitigating climate change, or, in Nadaï and Labussière's words [4] (p.3), "take transition agendas as given and look for ways of surmounting barriers to their implementation ". Examples within this type of approach are research that characterizes opposers and supporters and that identifies the main factors leading to those positions (e.g., [29,30]); and research that still tries to examine if NIMBY (i.e., as in physical proximity) explains opposition or not (e.g., [31][32][33]). ...
Social sciences have been very prolific in the last decades in publishing research that attempts to better understand the social acceptance of renewable energy technologies and associated infrastructures (RET) – such as high voltage power lines – and processes – such as communities’ participation in related decision-making processes. This Perspective proposes that this might be a good point in time, roughly 30 years after social sciences begun looking at the social side of RET, to offer a (over)view on that research, if and how it has changed over time and where it leaves us currently or, in other words, which directions we should follow in the future. I first provide an overview of research on the social acceptance of RET, suggesting that it can be roughly organized around three waves - normative, criticism and critical -; for then identifying and discussing some avenues for future research.
... There are also many other potential socio-economic impacts associated with the development of a community-scale forest bioenergy project that are less tangible and difficult to quantify but that could be very important to northern and rural communities struggling to retain their populations. For example, the development of an innovative, forward-thinking community energy project could increase desirability of the town for residents, particularly young people, who want to be involved in the transition to a low carbon future Fast and McLeman, 2012;Vaidya and Mayer, 2016). A community bioenergy project could help to attract new business, through guaranteed and stable longterm energy prices, or the opportunity to be involved in the forest bioeconomy and located in a progressive region. ...
This thesis seeks to determine the characteristics of a future forest bioeconomy that will contribute to the resilience of forestry communities across northeastern Ontario to inform bioeconomy development in the region. A regional approach is taken to evaluate pathways for forest bioeconomy development over the near and long-term. This approach is unique in that all potential energy and non-energy uses for available low quality forest biomass in northeastern Ontario are considered, as is the regional infrastructure and characteristics of the forest sector and available biomass. Some (commonly studied) pathways were ruled out early based on information in the literature and the characteristics of the existing regional forest sector. Other pathways were deemed promising and further analyzed within the regional context. The analysis assesses the regional performance of different conversion pathways and specific technologies within them.
... Some have attempted to empirically verify its claims (e.g. assumptions about spatial proximity: Fast and McLeman 2012;Jones and Eiser 2009;Swofford and Slattery 2010; also Jasanoff 2014 for a review/critique). Others, as suggested above, have argued that it is too simplistic an explanation for opposition, considering that community responses to RET are shaped by a more variegated set of socio-psychological, cultural, political and geographical factors Bell, Gray, and Haggett 2005;Walker 1995;Wolsink 1994 for a review). ...
Research has shown how the NIMBY explanation for local opposition to energy infrastructures has made its way into the discourses of developers, policy makers, the media and active protesters. However, few studies have explored how community members draw on discourses of NIMBYism to interpret and negotiate responses to local energy proposals. We address this gap drawing on qualitative data from two UK case studies. Analyses show that NIMBY, as a representation of objection, is both widespread and polysemic. Aside from providing a means to talk about space, NIMBY is sometimes rejected by discourses positioning publics as custodians of valued landscapes. In other instances, it is assumed to be a normative and legitimate way for participants to decide what is best for them in a neo-liberal society. The findings reinforce the importance of examining socio-cultural dimensions of social acceptance, specifically representations of community responses to infrastructures as political devices in local siting disputes, and publics as reflexive actors.
... At the same time, it is expected that the energy efficiency to increase by 19%, according to the agreement between Romania and the European Commission approved on 7 August 2014 [13]. The consumers' perception regarding the renewable energy sources and the public acceptability was analyzed by different scholars during the last several years [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. Given the general context and the main public objectives regarding the use of renewable sources of energy, the public perception and acceptance of these relatively new methods of obtaining energy is an essential pillar for sustainable development of the sector in order to achieve the objectives proposed by the national and international strategies. ...
... People becoming more "eco-conscious" [14,15]. Generally, there is strong support for renewable energy among populations from different countries such as Austria, Greece, Portugal, Hungary [16], Eastern Ontario Highlands [17], Nigeria [18], India [19], Canada, the UK, Denmark [16,20], U.S.A. [21], and China [22] even if there is not always a clear distinction made between the terms used. While there is a general positive attitude towards renewable energy sources, the study conducted by Devine-Wright [16] indicated that consumers from Slovakia and Romania were more oriented towards fossil fuels and nuclear energy when the study took place, which is a fact explained by the political patterns of the former soviet economy. ...
... Solar energy was mentioned as "the most positively regarded form of renewable energy technology" [20], but there is also high support for wind energy among the public in the countries investigated (Canada, Denmark, UK) [16]. There was high interest noticed from the locals in the Ontario municipalities regarding solar technologies while they showed little interest towards wind turbines and hydroelectric dams [17] while in Shandong, China, the mostly used type of renewable energy is biogas and solar power while there is strong support for these two [22]. In a GFK research conducted in UK in 2009 regarding people's awareness about renewable energy, 82% of the respondents are familiar with solar and hydroelectric energy while only 59% with wind energy and 57% with biomass energy [29]. ...
In the favorable context of a potential increase in the use of renewable energy sources in Romania, a research was conducted among the rural population in the North-West region of development in order to analyze public perception regarding this alternative energy production. A survey was conducted on a sample of 322 respondents and data was analyzed using different statistical methods (Principal Component Analysis, Cluster analysis, etc.). Results indicated a positive attitude towards renewable energy and support mainly from young and highly educated people. The percentage of users is relatively low and there is little intention in the future to switch to a renewable energy source even if it is perceived as a sustainable way of living. Lack of knowledge regarding renewable energy sources is the most important aspect and authorities should assume a mission in the public education of citizens in order to implement the measures and achieve the goals established in the national strategy plans.
... This lack of knowledge can explain why rural residents are less concerned about the quantity of energy assured by alternative sources (2.47) ( Table 2). The literature echoes the notion that income and the level of education influence the way that people perceive renewable energy 28 . The group of 'potential users of renewable energy' thus consists of young and educated people 29 . ...
... Researches show that society's perception, attitude and acceptance of renewable energy affect the implementation target of the renewable energies (Eg, Devine-Wright, 2011;Duan, 2011;Wüstenhagen, 2007). For example, Fast and Mcleman (2012) found that participants strongly supported renewable energy sources in their research. ...
The concept of health has gradually changed in recent years and it became a more
dynamic and easily adaptable to everyday life and personally editable condition.
Social health concept allows people to participate in social activities and targets
independence despite chronic diseases. These new perspectives are becoming
increasingly widespread (Huber, Machteld et al., 2011).
Aging of the population all over the world has led to a gradual increase of chronic
diseases and therefore the number of primary caregivers increased. In Turkey, the
proportion of the elderly in the general population is increasing over the years as
well. Turkey's population according to the census carried out in 1990 revealed that
while the population in Turkey increased 11% over 5 years, the population aged
60-65 increased by 44%. In Turkey, the population over the age of 65 is 6% of the
whole populationYikilkan, Aypak, &Gorpelioglu, 2014).
Functional disability and neuropsychiatric symptoms are observed in Alzheimer’s
disease (AD) due to progressive cognitive decline (Steinberg et al., 2009). Giving
care for patients with dementia is becoming an increasingly common family
experience (Castro et al., 2002). Previous studies have been highlighted the
157
158 Tuba Uyar , Akin Celik , Fatih Koca
importance of burnout syndrome, depressive findings and their negative impacts on
quality of life of the caregivers of the patients (Bauer et al., 2000; Castro et al.,
2002). One of the most probable reasons for this reduction in quality of life and
health status of caregivers is the lack of regular exercises which positively support
physical and psychological health. As already known, doing regular exercises
reduces cardiovascular risk factors, stress, and depression and increases the sleep
quality (King, Taylor, & Haskell, 1993). Previous studies showed that the rate of
regular exercise in caregivers who provide care for long periods in the day is low
(Burton et al., 1997; Castro et al., 2002). Therefore, searching the physiological
effects of exercise on health of the caregivers is essential. To date, negative factors
that affect caregivers have been investigated whereas quite a few studies focused
on positive factors. In a pilot study, the interest of caregivers to physical activity
programs have been identified as high and the authors showed that caregivers can
physically adapt to life styles successfully (Castro et al., 2002).
Giving care for patients with chronic diseases is a very difficult process that
requires support for patients and caregivers as well. This role is shaped by
sociocultural and economic factors and it can become even more difficult. Since
care is not a foreseeable situation, adaptation takes time. The role also may be more
severe depending on the severity of the patient and the disease. A process begins
that surrounds the lives of caregivers both physically and emotionally. Several
studies have been reported that the relationship between the caregivers and the
patient may affect the burnout. In addition to this, this condition indirectly affects
the patient. Caregiver’s trouble and quality of relationship between the caregiver
and the patient determines the emergence of depression and anxiety symptoms
(Etkin et al., 1997; Pearlin et al., 1990). Numerous studies have been reported the
high incidence of depression, anxiety, hypertension, peptic ulcer and other stress
associated disorders in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (Knight,
Steven, & Felice, 1993; Schulz & Scott, 1999)..
It is a devastating picture for caregivers that patients with Alzheimer’s disease
become unable to recognize their spouse and children due to destruction of their
memory. In contrast, there are also some reports in the literature that the actual
burnout symptoms of caregivers are not cognitive functions but other clinical
pictures specific to the disease (Tarlow& Diane, 2000). Studies that primarily
evaluating the impairment in cognitive functions showed higher depression,
anxiety and burnout scores in caregivers of older people with dementia compared
to caregivers of older people without dementia (Etters et al., 2008; Kucukguclu et
al., 2017) . Psycho-rehabilitative services arranged according to the needs of the
patient and caregiver may increase the quality of the care, reduce the stress of the
caregiver and increase quality of life of the patient. While a relative improvement
The Effects of Moderate Level Aerobic Exercise on Caregivers of Patients…. 159
in the mental and physical health of caregivers were achieved with studies on this
issue, it has been reported that significant improvements in terms of increasing the
number of centers for patients, and facilitating access to centers have been
accomplished (Christofoletti et al., 2011; Lecture, Wolffe, &Wolffe, 1994).
Even with phone calls made by the physician at regular intervals, the mortality of
patients was reduced and reaching health care in the primary care setting was made
easier. Increased knowledge on medical problems and compliance to drugs lead to
increased awareness on psychiatric problems such as depression and anxiety of
patients and caregivers (Christofoletti et al., 2011). In the light of this views, within
the scope of our project to realize social integration of the patients with chronic
neurodegenerative disease and their caregiver relatives, improve their quality of life
and psychosocial support, this study was conducted as a separate research topic.
... 6 Akinwale public in various communities in the development of the low-carbon innovation system. Various studies (Ek 2005;Fast and McLeman 2012;Kaldellis et al. 2013;Akinwale et al. 2014;Akinwale, Ilevbare, and Ogundari 2015) have shown that members of the public tend to support renewable energy resources they helped build. Therefore, the model suggests that government should properly create awareness about low-carbon technology through various media as well as by allowing members of the community to participate in the demonstration stage of these technologies. ...
The issue of a low-carbon energy system is contentious especially in developing countries as the world is transiting from a fossil fuel based economy to a low-carbon economy. A new development path of low-carbon energy is being sought so as to prevent the devastating effects of the high-carbon energy system which presently dominates the world. Many developing countries including Nigeria are being faced with the challenges of achieving economic development through a low-carbon energy system because the present energy system is predominantly high-carbon energy dependent, using, for example, fossil fuels. To follow the low-carbon development path, building indigenous innovation capability in emerging and developing countries becomes paramount, instead of relying on a mere technology transfer from developed countries which, most of the time, is in the form of hardware. As a result of the double externality problem and market failures associated with new technological innovation, this study suggests a government policy driven model to achieve the development of sustainable low-carbon energy innovation in Nigeria. The study used descriptive analysis to capture information on the influence of government policy from university academia and members of the public, obtained through a questionnaire.
... Researches show that society's perception, attitude and acceptance of renewable energy affect the implementation target of the renewable energies (Eg, Devine-Wright, 2011;Duan, 2011;Wüstenhagen, 2007). For example, Fast and Mcleman (2012) found that participants strongly supported renewable energy sources in their research. ...
Exploration of the Impact of Religious Belief and Gender on University
Students’ Empathy Feelings
Idris Yılmaz
Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey
Fatih Koca
Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey
Akın Celik
Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey
The goal of the study was to examine the differential role gender and religious beliefs in the universiy students’ the level of empatic beliefs. The study participants included a group of 838 (508 male ; 330 female) Physical Education and Sport Science student-teachers in four
large urban city universities in Turkey. The researchers employed the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire and demographic information scale to collect the data. The findings indicated that a significant difference between male (M = 49.07, SD = .34) and female students (M =51.42, SD = .43) for the level of empathy scores, t (836) = 4.25, p < .05. The results also showed that there was a significant effect of the religiosity on the empathy scores at p < . 05 for the three group ( F ( 2, 835) = 3.15 ). Furthermore, gender (Beta = .14, t (835) = 2.21, p < .05) and religious belief (Beta = .22, t (835) = -.4.49, p < .05 were found two significant variable to predict the level of empathy feelings among the college students. Directions for the future research and the limitations were discussed.
Keywords: Empathy, religious belief, gender, researchers, participants
... These changes galvanized community resistance in both provinces. Shifts of this nature have the potential to create feelings of unfairness [14,74], powerlessness [75], disempowerment [76], and the impression of an undemocratic process [77]. As we describe below, Mulvihill et al. [78] have argued in the Canadian context for a hybrid top-down and bottom-up approval process that would include strategic environmental assessments of provincial energy plans and programmes as one way of balancing the policy urgency to deploy low-carbon infrastructure while respecting local governments' expertise and authority. ...
A large-scale transition to low-carbon energy sources is necessary to mitigate climate change. In practice, however, when new energy projects are proposed in specific places and regions, their proponents often face public resistance. This paper is a synthesis of a multi-investigator study of community responses to new energy developments in four Canadian provinces. We identify three questions that communities are asking about the governance of these projects: (1) Are the decision-making and regulatory processes open, rigorous, and accountable? (2) Have local people been meaningfully engaged? (3) Are the costs and benefits fairly distributed? Overall, we argue that public resistance is often a legitimate response stemming from inadequate governance of energy development. Specifically, and partly because of the changing role of government in policy-making and regulation, local communities lose trust that governance reflects and will protect their social and ecological values. We conclude that innovation in community engagement is needed, particularly in the context of rapid institutional change and governments that might be unable or unwilling to oversee inclusive decision-making processes.
Growing social acceptance of renewable energy sources is critical for the oil and gas industry’s future. Globally, societies are shifting their opinions and demanding transparency from oil and gas firms about their greenhouse gas emissions, which cause global warming and climate change. Community groups use social media platforms to bring all stakeholders together to express their views about the negative effects of the oil and gas industry. Shifting social attitudes about the oil and gas sector are influencing governments to consider policy alternatives to oil and gas industry emissions. In turn, government regulators are scrutinizing oil and gas sector emissions and demanding carbon-free energy alternatives, which is causing major challenges for the industry. Responding to these challenges, oil and gas companies are trying to invest heavily in renewable energy sources to transition to a broader energy mix. This energy transition is influenced by the social acceptance of renewable energy sources. In this context, this research paper explores the effectiveness of social acceptance of renewable energy sources and the oil and gas sector’s response to this paradigm. We use secondary data obtained from Frankfurt School UNEP Collaborating Centre for 2010–2019 and survey data on social concern about renewable energy sources published by the University of London-European Commission, Pew Research Centre, and Gallup opinion polls for the same period from the United States and Europe. Excel spreadsheets are used to give graphic and numeric outputs for a time-series descriptive analysis method. The outcome of the analysis shows us the relationship between the public concern about renewable energy and the oil and gas industry’s investment in renewable energy and the environmental performance of the sector. Our analysis shows that public acceptance of renewable energy is always higher in Europe than in the United States, but it has been increasing steadily on both sides of Atlantic, in Europe from 82% in 2015 to 84% in 2019(though social attention shifted toother issues in 2017) and in the United States from 58% in 2015 to 70% in 2019. Our study of decades of data and our time series descriptive analysis reveals a significant relationship between the independent variable ‘social concern about renewable energy sources and the dependent variable ‘oil and gas sector investment in renewable energy’. The outcome of the analysis shows us the relationship between the public concern about renewable energy and the oil and gas industry’s investment in renewable energy sources, resulting in positive response to the new environmental paradigm. Our analysis shows that public acceptance of renewable energy is always higher in Europe than in the United States, but it has been increasing steadily on both sides of Atlantic, in Europe from 82% in 2010 to84% in 2019 (though social attention shifted to other issues in 2017) and in the United States from 58%in 2015 to 70% in 2019. Our study of decades of data and our descriptive analysis reveals a significant relationship between the independent variable ‘social concern about renewable energy sources and the dependent variable ‘oil and gas sector investment in renewable energy’.
Keywords– Carbon free, Environmental paradigm, Energy mix, Greenhouse gas emissions, Renewable energy sources, social concern
