Simon Shackley | University of Edinburgh (original) (raw)

Papers by Simon Shackley

Biomass Bioenerg, 2007

This paper presents the results of a postal questionnaire survey of local public opinion on a pro... more This paper presents the results of a postal questionnaire survey of local public opinion on a proposal to build a 21.5 MW(e) integrated combined cycle biomass gasifier on an old Royal Air Force airfield on the outskirts of the rural village of Winkleigh, Devon, England. To all households in Winkleigh Parish 1200 questionnaires were distributed in June 2004 and were returned by 573 people, representing 40% of all adults in the parish. Opinion was found to be overwhelmingly against the gasifier. The concerns of local people were varied, but the highest levels of shared concern were truck movements and associated pollution and nuisance, doubts about the developer's credibility, and gaseous emissions from the plant, including odour. In general, local people felt that they were being asked to accept an industrial scale development that would lead to deterioration in their quality of life. The grey and academic literatures on analogous cases anticipate some of the specific findings.

Energy and Environment, Jun 1, 2012

Futures, Apr 1, 1996

is easy to overlook the fact that the apparent simplicity of the past was often more a function o... more is easy to overlook the fact that the apparent simplicity of the past was often more a function of the constraints put on the framing of the issue or problem at hand, both conceptually and in policy making, than it was a reflection of any inherent properties. Revisiting several case studies helps to illustrate the point that complexity, now or in the past, resides especially in the social relationships within and between institutions and agents. Much current thinking about complexity is moving towards development of ever more sophisticated methodologies with which to probe complex systems, hence to facilitate their management and control. We argue that such methodological elaboration frequently acts as a direct substitute for institutional development and reflexivity, and we urge instead for exploration of new forms of institutional mediation. Copyright 0 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd

Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 2012

J Environ Plan Manag, 2011

Pyrolysis 1 biochar systems (PBS) could assist in meeting the Scottish Government's target of a 4... more Pyrolysis 1 biochar systems (PBS) could assist in meeting the Scottish Government's target of a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 relative to 1990. Drawing on literature review of land use and biomass availability in Scotland at present and in the future, and using established life cycle assessment models, we find that biochar could contribute between 0.4 and 2 MtCO 2 equivalent (e) abatement per year in Scotland now (2009), increasing to between 1.4 and 4.2 MtCO 2 e/yr by 2030 and to between 1.5 and 4.8 MtCO 2 e/yr by 2050. The practicalities of such biochar deployment are explored further through spatial analysis. Through multi-criteria decision analysis, various factors are weighed up and traded-off against one another to show optimum locations for pyrolysis biochar facilities. The factors considered include proximity to sources (feedstock for biochar production), sinks (for biochar application), and proximity to transport infrastructure etc. Preliminary results show that most of the potentially suitable sites are around the central belt extending into Fife.

Climate Policy

A series of meetings of two 'Citizen Panels' were held to explore public perceptions of off-shore... more A series of meetings of two 'Citizen Panels' were held to explore public perceptions of off-shore carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture and storage (CCS). In addition, a face-to-face survey of 212 randomly selected individuals was conducted. We found that, on first hearing about CCS in the absence of any information on its purpose, the majority of people either do not have an opinion at all or have a somewhat negative perspective. However, when (even limited) information is provided on the role of CO 2 storage in reducing CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere, opinion shifts towards expressing slight support for the concept. Support depends, however, upon concern about human-caused climate change, plus recognition of the need for major reductions in CO 2 emissions. It also depends upon CCS being seen as just one part of a wider strategy for achieving significant cuts in CO 2 emissions. A portfolio including renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and lifestyle change to reduce demand was generally favoured. CCS can be part of such a portfolio, but wind, wave, tidal, solar and energy efficiency were preferred. It was felt that uncertainties concerning the potential risks of CCS had to be better addressed and reduced; in particular the risks of accidents and leakage (including the potential environmental, ecosystem and human health impacts which might result from leakage).

Energy and Environment

Science and the contested problem of climate change: A tale of two models. S Shackley, J Risbey, ... more Science and the contested problem of climate change: A tale of two models. S Shackley, J Risbey, M Kandlikar Energy &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Environment 9:11, 61-82, 1998. P 0000 AIR POLLUTION.

Environmental Values, 2015

ABSTRACT Preston's (2011) challenge to the moral presumption against geoengineering is ap... more ABSTRACT Preston's (2011) challenge to the moral presumption against geoengineering is applied to carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) in Scotland, United Kingdom. Qualitative data is analysed to assess if and how Preston's arguments play out in practice. We argue that the concepts of 'lesser evil' and prioritising human well-being over non-interference in natural processes do bring different value positions together in support of CCS, but that not all people see short-term carbon abatement as the 'least worst' option or a suitable way to prioritise human well-being.

Social site characterisation can be used as an instrument to plan and evaluate a process of activ... more Social site characterisation can be used as an instrument to plan and evaluate a process of active and constructive local stakeholder engagement in a prospective CCS project. Social site characterisation runs parallel to technical site characterisation. It roughly consists of a formative research phase to get acquainted with the area followed by a series of public information and engagement activities based on the outcomes of the first phase. This deliverable presents results from the first phase for the social site characterisations of a prospective CCS site in Poland (onshore) and the UK (offshore).

This deliverable describes the task of making available generic and site-specific information abo... more This deliverable describes the task of making available generic and site-specific information about the SiteChar activities regarding the site explorations to the general public as well as to the local public at the Scottish site and at the Polish site. Generic and site-specific information have been made available to the general and local public through specific sections on the SiteChar website. Information meetings were held on location at the Polish site and at the Scottish site.

Presents a range of possible techno-economic and social scenarios of decarbonisation within the U... more Presents a range of possible techno-economic and social scenarios of decarbonisation within the UK, including quantitative and qualitative analyses and interpretations.

Biomass and Bioenergy, 2015

Biomass can deliver significant greenhouse gas reductions in electricity, heat and transport fuel... more Biomass can deliver significant greenhouse gas reductions in electricity, heat and transport fuel supply. However, our biomass resource is limited and should be used to deliver the most strategic and significant impacts. The relative greenhouse gas reduction merits of different bioenergy systems (for electricity, heat, chemical and biochar production) were examined on a common, scientific basis using consistent life cycle assessment methodology, scope of system and assumptions. The results show that bioenergy delivers substantial and cost-effective greenhouse gas reductions. Large scale electricity systems deliver the largest absolute reductions in greenhouse gases per unit of energy generated, while medium scale wood chip district heating boilers result in the highest level of greenhouse gas reductions per unit of harvested biomass. However, ammonia and biochar systems deliver the most cost effective carbon reductions, while biochar systems potentially deliver the highest greenhouse gas reductions per unit area of land.

The comments here address the issues raised in the terms of reference: 1 Assessment of the econom... more The comments here address the issues raised in the terms of reference: 1 Assessment of the economics of moving to a low-carbon economy and 2 Assessment of the potential of different approaches for adaptation (including the economic, social and environmental consequences of climate change in developed and developing countries as well as possible adaptation actions and their costs).

Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, 2015

ABSTRACT In this paper we explore the potential of a framework of ethical governance for low-carb... more ABSTRACT In this paper we explore the potential of a framework of ethical governance for low-carbon energy. Developing mainly in the field of information and communications technology, ethical governance is concerned with the marginalisation of ethical and moral issues during development and deployment of new technologies. Focusing on early carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) projects, we argue that a focus on technical arguments in the governance of low-carbon energy similarly risks sidelining deeper issues such as fairness, justice, and values. We believe an ethical governance approach does have potential for low-carbon energy technologies like CCS, but also that climate change mitigation technologies pose particular challenges for the implementation of ethical governance.

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 2014

ABSTRACT This paper explores the social dimensions of an experimental release of carbon dioxide (... more ABSTRACT This paper explores the social dimensions of an experimental release of carbon dioxide (CO2) carried out in Ardmucknish Bay, Argyll, United Kingdom. The experiment, which aimed to understand detectability and potential effects on the marine environment should there be any leakage from a CO2 storage site, provided a rare opportunity to study the social aspects of a carbon dioxide capture and storage-related event taking place in a lived-in environment. Qualitative research was carried out in the form of observation at public information events about the release, in-depth interviews with key project staff and local stakeholders/community members, and a review of online media coverage of the experiment. Focusing mainly on the observation and interview data, we discuss three key findings: the role of experience and analogues in learning about unfamiliar concepts like CO2 storage; the challenge of addressing questions of uncertainty in public engagement; and the issue of when to commence engagement and how to frame the discussion. We conclude that whilst there are clearly slippages between a small-scale experiment and full-scale CCS, the social research carried out for this project demonstrates that issues of public and stakeholder perception are as relevant for offshore CO2 storage as they are for onshore.

Energy & Environment, 2012