M. Brown - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by M. Brown

This article correlates energy policy and practice with the multidimensional concept of energy se... more This article correlates energy policy and practice with the multidimensional concept of energy security and empirical performance over forty years. Based on an analysis of 22 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development between 1970 and 2010, it concludes that many industrialized countries have made limited progress toward the goal of achieving secure, reliable and affordable supplies of energy while also transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. However, some national best practices exist, which are identified by examining the relative performance of four countries: the United Kingdom and Belgium (both with noteworthy improvements), and Sweden and France (both with limited improvements). The article concludes by offering implications for energy policy more broadly and by providing empirical evidence that our four dimensions (availability, affordability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship) envelop the key strategic components of energy security.

Based on an extensive literature review and research interviews of energy experts, this article a... more Based on an extensive literature review and research interviews of energy experts, this article asks: what are the remaining impediments to clean energy systems and how can a Post-Kyoto Protocol climate framework be designed to overcome them? The article begins by exploring commercially available 'clean' energy systems and practices relating to energy end-use and infrastructure, energy supply, carbon capture and storage, and non-CO 2-related greenhouse gas emissions. The article then examines a selection of persistent financial, market, information and intellectual property barriers. Lastly, it articulates the implication of these barriers for the design of future national and international climate change policies.

How well are industrialised nations doing in terms of energy policy? Without a stand-ardised set ... more How well are industrialised nations doing in terms of energy policy? Without a stand-ardised set of metrics to evaluate national energy systems, it is difficult to determine the extent to which energy resources, technologies and infrastructure are truly keeping up with emerging challenges related to climate change, the environment, population growth and economic wellbeing. In response, we propose the creation of an energy sustainability index (ESI) to inform policymakers, investors and analysts about the status of energy conditions. Using the United States as an example, the ESI shows that the country has failed to truly progress on solving some of its most pressing energy problems, and that in many respects conditions have deteriorated. The proposed ESI builds on the substantial body of literature on 'sustainability', and draws on past efforts to measure progress in environmental and energy systems.

Energy security is embedded in a complex system encompassing factors that constitute the social e... more Energy security is embedded in a complex system encompassing factors that constitute the social
environment in which individuals are immersed. Everything from education, to access to resources to
policy and cultural values of particular places affects perceptions and experiences of energy security.
This article examines the types of energy security challenges that nations face and characterizes the
policy responses that are often used to address these challenges. Drawing from a survey of energy
consumers in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia,
Singapore, and the United States, we conduct a cross-national comparison of energy security attitudes as
well as analyze each country’s energy resources, consumption characteristics and energy policies.
Through multivariate regression analysis and case studies we find that socio-demographic and regional
characteristics affect attitudes towards energy security. Specifically, we find a strong relationship
between level of reliance on oil imports and level of concern for a variety of energy security
characteristics including availability, affordability and equity. Our results reaffirm the importance of
gender and age in shaping perceptions of security, but also extend existing literature by elucidating the
impacts of country energy portfolios and policies in shaping climate and security perceptions. Level of
development, reliance on oil, and strong energy efficiency policies all affect individuals’ sense of energy
security. In sum, we find that energy security is a highly context-dependent condition that is best
understood from a nuanced and multi-dimensional perspective.

How well are industrialized nations doing in terms of their energy se-curity? Without a standardi... more How well are industrialized nations doing in terms of their energy se-curity? Without a standardized set of metrics, it is difficult to determine the extent to which countries are properly responding to the emerging energy security challenges related to climate change: a growing dependency on fossil fuels, population growth, and economic development. In response, this article first surveys the academic literature on energy security and concludes that it is composed of availability, affordability, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. It then analyzes the relative energy security performance, based on these four dimensions, of the United States and 21 other member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) from 1970 to 2007. Four countries are examined in greater detail: one of the strongest (Denmark), one of the most improved in terms of energy security (Japan), one with weak and stagnant energy security (United States), and one with deteriorating energy security (Spain). The article concludes by offering implications for public policy.

This chapter assesses the advantages and disadvantages of tackling climate change through local, ... more This chapter assesses the advantages and disadvantages of tackling climate change through local, bottom-up strategies as well as global, top-down approaches, arguing that each has distinct costs and benefits. The chapter also explores how local and global scales might be integrated into a single and effective policy framework, incorporating the advantages of decentralization and local action (efficiency through diversity and innovation, flexibility, and accountability) along with the advantages B978-1-85617-655-2.00005-5, 00005 Sioshansi, 978-1-85617-655-2

This article assesses the advantages and disadvantages of fighting climate change through local, ... more This article assesses the advantages and disadvantages of fighting climate change through local, bottom-up strategies as well as global, top-down approaches. After noting that each scale of action-the local and the global-has distinct costs and benefits, the article explores the importance of scale in three case studies (the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, and efforts at adaptation/mitigation). It concludes that local thinking must be coupled with global and national scales of action in order to achieve the levels of carbon dioxide reductions needed to avoid dangerous climate impacts.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 1989

Proceedings of the 2011 IEEE International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology, 2011

Abstract—Preparation for global movement to urban regions requires a holistic study of infrastruc... more Abstract—Preparation for global movement to urban regions requires a holistic study of infrastructure interactions. The impact of water and energy on one another has been studied to show how they are dependent upon one another. Other infrastructure interactions also are vital to ...

Environment and Planning A, 2008

Energy-efficient buildings are seen by climate change experts as one of the least-cost approaches... more Energy-efficient buildings are seen by climate change experts as one of the least-cost approaches to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This paper summarizes a study done for the Pew Center on Global Climate Change that takes a broader look at the potential role of a climate-friendly built environment including not only considerations of how buildings are constructed and used, but also how they interface with the electric grid and where they are located in terms of urban densities and access to employment and services. In addition to summarizing mechanisms of change (barriers and drivers), the paper reviews a set of policies that could bring carbon emissions in the building sector in 2025 back almost to 2004 levels. By mid-century, the combination of green buildings and smart growth could deliver the deeper reductions that many believe are needed to mitigate climate change.

articles by M. Brown

Numerous studies have shown the potential for US manufacturing to cut its energy costs by install... more Numerous studies have shown the potential for US manufacturing to cut its energy costs by installing more efficient equipment that offers competitive payback periods, but the realization of this potential is hindered by numerous obstacles. This paper evaluates seven federal policy options aimed at revitalizing US manufacturing by improving its energy economics while also achieving environmental and energy reliability goals. Traditionally, policy analysts have examined the cost-effectiveness of energy policies using deterministic assumptions. When risk factors are introduced, they are typically examined using sensitivity analysis to focus on alternative assumptions about budgets, policy design, energy prices, and other such variables. In this paper, we also explicitly model the stochastic nature of several key risk factors including future energy prices, damages from climate change, and the cost of criteria pollutants. Using these two approaches, each policy is "stress tested" to evaluate the likely range of private and social returns on investment. Overall, we conclude that the societal cost-effectiveness of policies is generally more sensitive to alternative assumptions about damages from criteria pollutants and climate change compared with energy prices; however, risks also vary across policies based partly on the technologies they target. Future research needs to examine the macroeconomic consequences of the choice between a lethargic approach to energy waste and modernization in manufacturing versus a vigorous commitment to industrial energy productivity and innovation as characterized by the suite of policies described in this paper.

This article correlates energy policy and practice with the multidimensional concept of energy se... more This article correlates energy policy and practice with the multidimensional concept of energy security and empirical performance over forty years. Based on an analysis of 22 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development between 1970 and 2010, it concludes that many industrialized countries have made limited progress toward the goal of achieving secure, reliable and affordable supplies of energy while also transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. However, some national best practices exist, which are identified by examining the relative performance of four countries: the United Kingdom and Belgium (both with noteworthy improvements), and Sweden and France (both with limited improvements). The article concludes by offering implications for energy policy more broadly and by providing empirical evidence that our four dimensions (availability, affordability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship) envelop the key strategic components of energy security.

Based on an extensive literature review and research interviews of energy experts, this article a... more Based on an extensive literature review and research interviews of energy experts, this article asks: what are the remaining impediments to clean energy systems and how can a Post-Kyoto Protocol climate framework be designed to overcome them? The article begins by exploring commercially available 'clean' energy systems and practices relating to energy end-use and infrastructure, energy supply, carbon capture and storage, and non-CO 2-related greenhouse gas emissions. The article then examines a selection of persistent financial, market, information and intellectual property barriers. Lastly, it articulates the implication of these barriers for the design of future national and international climate change policies.

How well are industrialised nations doing in terms of energy policy? Without a stand-ardised set ... more How well are industrialised nations doing in terms of energy policy? Without a stand-ardised set of metrics to evaluate national energy systems, it is difficult to determine the extent to which energy resources, technologies and infrastructure are truly keeping up with emerging challenges related to climate change, the environment, population growth and economic wellbeing. In response, we propose the creation of an energy sustainability index (ESI) to inform policymakers, investors and analysts about the status of energy conditions. Using the United States as an example, the ESI shows that the country has failed to truly progress on solving some of its most pressing energy problems, and that in many respects conditions have deteriorated. The proposed ESI builds on the substantial body of literature on 'sustainability', and draws on past efforts to measure progress in environmental and energy systems.

Energy security is embedded in a complex system encompassing factors that constitute the social e... more Energy security is embedded in a complex system encompassing factors that constitute the social
environment in which individuals are immersed. Everything from education, to access to resources to
policy and cultural values of particular places affects perceptions and experiences of energy security.
This article examines the types of energy security challenges that nations face and characterizes the
policy responses that are often used to address these challenges. Drawing from a survey of energy
consumers in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia,
Singapore, and the United States, we conduct a cross-national comparison of energy security attitudes as
well as analyze each country’s energy resources, consumption characteristics and energy policies.
Through multivariate regression analysis and case studies we find that socio-demographic and regional
characteristics affect attitudes towards energy security. Specifically, we find a strong relationship
between level of reliance on oil imports and level of concern for a variety of energy security
characteristics including availability, affordability and equity. Our results reaffirm the importance of
gender and age in shaping perceptions of security, but also extend existing literature by elucidating the
impacts of country energy portfolios and policies in shaping climate and security perceptions. Level of
development, reliance on oil, and strong energy efficiency policies all affect individuals’ sense of energy
security. In sum, we find that energy security is a highly context-dependent condition that is best
understood from a nuanced and multi-dimensional perspective.

How well are industrialized nations doing in terms of their energy se-curity? Without a standardi... more How well are industrialized nations doing in terms of their energy se-curity? Without a standardized set of metrics, it is difficult to determine the extent to which countries are properly responding to the emerging energy security challenges related to climate change: a growing dependency on fossil fuels, population growth, and economic development. In response, this article first surveys the academic literature on energy security and concludes that it is composed of availability, affordability, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. It then analyzes the relative energy security performance, based on these four dimensions, of the United States and 21 other member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) from 1970 to 2007. Four countries are examined in greater detail: one of the strongest (Denmark), one of the most improved in terms of energy security (Japan), one with weak and stagnant energy security (United States), and one with deteriorating energy security (Spain). The article concludes by offering implications for public policy.

This chapter assesses the advantages and disadvantages of tackling climate change through local, ... more This chapter assesses the advantages and disadvantages of tackling climate change through local, bottom-up strategies as well as global, top-down approaches, arguing that each has distinct costs and benefits. The chapter also explores how local and global scales might be integrated into a single and effective policy framework, incorporating the advantages of decentralization and local action (efficiency through diversity and innovation, flexibility, and accountability) along with the advantages B978-1-85617-655-2.00005-5, 00005 Sioshansi, 978-1-85617-655-2

This article assesses the advantages and disadvantages of fighting climate change through local, ... more This article assesses the advantages and disadvantages of fighting climate change through local, bottom-up strategies as well as global, top-down approaches. After noting that each scale of action-the local and the global-has distinct costs and benefits, the article explores the importance of scale in three case studies (the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, and efforts at adaptation/mitigation). It concludes that local thinking must be coupled with global and national scales of action in order to achieve the levels of carbon dioxide reductions needed to avoid dangerous climate impacts.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 1989

Proceedings of the 2011 IEEE International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology, 2011

Abstract—Preparation for global movement to urban regions requires a holistic study of infrastruc... more Abstract—Preparation for global movement to urban regions requires a holistic study of infrastructure interactions. The impact of water and energy on one another has been studied to show how they are dependent upon one another. Other infrastructure interactions also are vital to ...

Environment and Planning A, 2008

Energy-efficient buildings are seen by climate change experts as one of the least-cost approaches... more Energy-efficient buildings are seen by climate change experts as one of the least-cost approaches to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This paper summarizes a study done for the Pew Center on Global Climate Change that takes a broader look at the potential role of a climate-friendly built environment including not only considerations of how buildings are constructed and used, but also how they interface with the electric grid and where they are located in terms of urban densities and access to employment and services. In addition to summarizing mechanisms of change (barriers and drivers), the paper reviews a set of policies that could bring carbon emissions in the building sector in 2025 back almost to 2004 levels. By mid-century, the combination of green buildings and smart growth could deliver the deeper reductions that many believe are needed to mitigate climate change.

Numerous studies have shown the potential for US manufacturing to cut its energy costs by install... more Numerous studies have shown the potential for US manufacturing to cut its energy costs by installing more efficient equipment that offers competitive payback periods, but the realization of this potential is hindered by numerous obstacles. This paper evaluates seven federal policy options aimed at revitalizing US manufacturing by improving its energy economics while also achieving environmental and energy reliability goals. Traditionally, policy analysts have examined the cost-effectiveness of energy policies using deterministic assumptions. When risk factors are introduced, they are typically examined using sensitivity analysis to focus on alternative assumptions about budgets, policy design, energy prices, and other such variables. In this paper, we also explicitly model the stochastic nature of several key risk factors including future energy prices, damages from climate change, and the cost of criteria pollutants. Using these two approaches, each policy is "stress tested" to evaluate the likely range of private and social returns on investment. Overall, we conclude that the societal cost-effectiveness of policies is generally more sensitive to alternative assumptions about damages from criteria pollutants and climate change compared with energy prices; however, risks also vary across policies based partly on the technologies they target. Future research needs to examine the macroeconomic consequences of the choice between a lethargic approach to energy waste and modernization in manufacturing versus a vigorous commitment to industrial energy productivity and innovation as characterized by the suite of policies described in this paper.