Search

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the longer term impact of a series of workshops conducted in four Australian cities which sought to engage representatives of the Australian public in discussions about climate change and low emission energy options. These workshops were designed to explore the public’s awareness and acceptance of the various low emissions energy technologies, including carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), and to assess whether a large group workshop format was an effective means of affecting change in awareness and acceptance of the various energy technologies. Initial results of these workshops, presented at the International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Technologies (GHGT) in 2008, found that the workshop was indeed effective. Results from an online survey conducted in October 2009 with 95 participants of the original workshops indicate that over the longer term awareness remains at a higher level than prior to workshop attendance, while changes in participants’ attitudes were not sustained over time. However, the results of 22 follow-up in-depth interviews conducted in November and December 2009 found that many workshop participants reported a change in their awareness of and preference for the energy technologies, and that they pro-actively spoke with others and sought further information regarding the technologies and their place in a low carbon economy. While wind and solar energy were clearly favored, carbon mitigation was generally recognized as a complex issue requiring a portfolio of energy solutions. Building trust in the range of energy solutions, including carbon capture and storage, will require ongoing engagement and dialogue with members of the public. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extensive investment into research and development of low emission coal technologies is occurring around the globe. However, surveys suggest that most members of the general public are unaware of advanced coal technologies like carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS). Further, those people who are aware of the term tend to have little understanding of the concept. This lack of awareness has become an increasing focus of policy makers internationally, and a number of governments have developed communication strategies to raise awareness of CCS and other low emission coal technologies and to help promote social acceptance of these technologies. The present research synthesizes the range of communication activities that have been planned or implemented since 2002 in Australia and internationally, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of these activities. The resulting “roadmap” enables interested parties to draw from the best communication processes available, to help increase capability in this area for the ultimate successful deployment of CCS. The paper makes a number of recommendations for industry and policy makers to provide a guide for future communication strategies regarding CCS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]