ACB Workshop: The energy transition and the “not in my backyard” phenomenon

The energy transition refers to the global shift from fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewable energy sources. This transition is important to reach our goals, such as those aimed at climate-neutral and climate-resilient Alps 2050.
There are many answers to the question of how this transition can be made possible. What we already know is that the energy transition needs space. We also know that space is limited and has to fulfil many – sometimes contradictory – requirements. Focusing on the “not in my backyard" phenomenon (hereafter "NIMBY"), the Alpine Climate Board (ACB) of the Alpine Convention (AC)and CIPRA Austria invite you to a workshop on The energy transition and the “not in my backyard” phenomenon.

Background

The NIMBY phenomenon, which has been empirically observed and was first identified in environmental justice movements in the USA in the 1980s and 1990s, refers to the discrepancy between general attitudes towards environmental improvement – we will talk explicitly about renewable energy technologies – and specific attitudes towards them. In other words, people are in favour of the construction of certain environmental technologies that bring about change because they make a positive contribution to the system, but they would rather not have them near their own homes.

Target groups

Our workshop is targeted to the following groups (but open to all interested individuals):

Developers of renewable energy projects
Scientific community
Environmentalists
Members of the public

Objectives of the workshop

In this workshop, we want to exchange views and ideas on solutions that work towards climate-neutral and climate-resilient Alps 2050. We will discuss four main questions, focusing on the fourth:

-          What is the vision of climate-neutral Alps, focusing on the energy system?
-          How can the NIMBY phenomenon be overcome in the energy transition?
-          What common interests do the stakeholders have?
-          How can diverging interests be brought together?

A mediator will guide us through this process in order to facilitate constructive discussions.

The workshop will be held in English.

Venue: Hotel Heffterhof (Maria-Cebotari-Straße 1-7, 5020 Salzburg, AT).

The workshop is free of charge. Please register here by 19 March 2024. The number of participants is limited (maximum 30).