Dynamic Sustainability
Implications for Policy, Markets and National Security

Depicts unique risks and unintended consequences of the net-zero carbon transition for corporations, national security, and the US economy.

Jay S. Golden (Author)

9781009298674, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 December 2023

308 pages
23.5 x 15.5 x 2 cm, 0.623 kg

'The world is transitioning out of necessity to electricity and clean, renewable energy and storage across all energy sectors. What are the implications of such a technology transition on society, policies, markets, and national security? This well-crafted book answers these questions with a plethora of facts woven into an engaging narrative. I strongly recommend it.' Mark Z. Jacobson, Stanford University; author of No Miracles Needed: How Today's Technology Can Save Our Climate and Clean Our Air

This book provides new insights into the opportunities, risks, and unintended consequences for the American economy, legacy industries, global multinational corporations, and financial institutions having pledged to transition to a net-zero carbon economy. It places specific emphasis on 'systems analysis', as well as the unprecedented pace needed for our sustainability transition. It examines the implications of organizations purchasing voluntary carbon credits which are not regulated, insured, and often not scientifically validated. It scrutinises how financial markets are driving corporate sustainability while at the same time conservative policymakers seek to ban Environmental Social Governance investments. Golden discusses national security as well as the growing rural-urban divide, seemingly widened by major automotive manufacturers looking to move towards zero-emission electric vehicles. Using empirical evidence to chart the effect of our sustainability transition on the government, the military, and corporations, this book is an invaluable resource for researchers, graduate students, policymakers, and industry professionals.

Part I: Introduction & Global Trends
1. Introducing Dynamic Sustainability
2. Global Trends
3. Global Climate Change
Part II: Net-Zero Carbon Transitions
4. Corporate Net-Zero-Carbon Transitions
5. The Electric Vehicle Transition
6. Electric Vehicle Charging Networks
7. Legacy Energy Transitions
8. Renewable Energy Transitions
9. Biobased And Agricultural Transitions
Part III: Dynamics of the Transition
10. National Security And Critical Resources
11. Rural Versus Urban
12. The Vanishing Industries
13. Tailwinds and Headwinds for Offshore Wind
Part IV: Finance and the Transition
14. Research and Development And Venture Capital
15. Finance and Environmental and Social Justice
16. Insuring The Transition
17. Biden and Congress Open the Checkbook
Part V: Wrap Up and What is Next
18. Crystal Ball
Epilogue
Index.

Subject Areas: International environmental law [LBBP]