ABSTRACT

Transformation to a low carbon economy is a central tenet to any discussion on the solutions to the complex challenges of climate change and energy security. Despite advances in policy, carbon management and continuing development of clean technology, fundamental business transformation has not occurred because of multiple political, economic, social and organisational issues.

Carbon Governance, Climate Change and Business Transformation is based on leading academic and industry input, and three international workshops focused on low carbon transformation in leading climate policy jurisdictions (Canada, USA and the UK) under the international Carbon Governance Project (CGP) banner. The book pulls insights from this innovative collaborative network to identify the policy combinations needed to create transformative change. It explores fundamental questions about how governments and the private sector conceptualize the problem of climate change, the conditions under which business transformation can genuinely take place and key policy and business innovations needed.

Broadly, the book is based on emerging theories of multi-levelled, multi-actor carbon governance, and applies these ideas to the real world implications for tackling climate change through business transformation. Conceptually and empirically, this book stimulates both academic discussion and practical business models for low carbon transformation.

chapter 3|28 pages

The problem of climate change

Challenges and opportunities in carbon governance

chapter 6|17 pages

Establishing the ‘campus as a living laboratory'

University of British Columbia experience

chapter 7|24 pages

The political and economic selection of technology

Southeast False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility

chapter 8|15 pages

Governing carbon through the European Union Emissions Trading System

Opportunities, pitfalls and future prospects

chapter 9|17 pages

The UK low carbon energy transition

Prospects and challenges

chapter 11|18 pages

Cleantech capital in California

chapter 12|24 pages

Post-carbon economy transition strategies

Road maps, roadblocks and theories of transformational change

chapter 13|15 pages

Conclusion

Carbon governance, business transformation and climate change