Climate of Contempt - (Center on Global Energy Policy) by David Spence

About the Book

"In Climate of Contempt, David Spence asserts that the way we tend to frame the politics of the energy transition in the United States is incomplete. It routinely omits or understates the ways in which modern information technology distorts our understanding of the problem and of each other, inviting us to regard adversaries with contempt, contributing (along with other forces) to Congress' ability to legislate a path to net zero carbon emissions. Stated differently, the bottom-up influence of angry, sometimes misinformed voters is a larger obstacle to completing the energy transition than the top-down influence of economic elites. Spence explores the effects of polarization, partisanship, and propaganda on energy policy and the regulatory framework needed to transition from fossil fuels to more climate-friendly energy sources, and pinpoints the ways that cooperation and opinion conversion on this crucial issue may yet occur. Climate Contempt unpacks a thorny problem not simply for the energy transition, but for American liberal democracy generally, and presents us with possible solutions for a better future"--

Book Synopsis

Why is the United States struggling to enact policies to reduce carbon emissions? Conventional wisdom holds that the wealthy and powerful are to blame, as the oligarchs and corporations that wield disproportionate sway over politicians prioritize their short-term financial interests over the climate's long-term health. David B. Spence argues that this top-down narrative misses a more important culprit--with critical consequences for the energy transition.

Climate of Contempt offers a voter-centric, bottom-up explanation of national climate and energy politics, one that pinpoints bitter partisanship as the key impediment to transitioning to a net zero carbon future. Members of Congress respond to voters whose animosity toward the opposing party makes compromise politically risky. The most powerful driver of polarization, in turn, is the mixture of ideology and social media that constitutes today's information environment, which amplifies anger, spreads half truths and falsehoods, and sows division, distorting voters' understandings of the energy transition and their fellow citizens.

Spence explores the effects of polarization, partisanship, and propaganda on energy policy and considers how to build a broader climate coalition. He contends that cooperation on this crucial issue is still possible, but it will require sustained person-to-person engagement across ideological and partisan boundaries to foster a more productive dialogue. Providing a timely and incisive understanding of the politics of the energy transition, Climate of Contempt suggests new paths forward and offers hope for a net-zero future.

Review Quotes

Climate of Contempt is a timely book that will help analysts, policy makers, climate advocates, project developers, energy enthusiasts, and historians make sense of this inflection point in the energy transition. Spence brings together smart insights, keen observations, and rigorous detail in an easy-to-read format. Recommended for anyone who cares about energy and the future of the world.--Michael E. Webber, author of Power Trip: The Story of Energy

David B. Spence's urgent book comes at just the right time as we gear up for another contested election season and as we witness almost daily reminders of the accelerating climate crisis. Based on years of research and a deeply felt commitment to reasoned debate, Spence takes on the number one problem facing climate action: politics and polarization. In clear and compelling prose, backed up by detailed analysis, Spence shows us how we got to our current state and where we might look for resources to get beyond the tribalism and contempt that mark so much of contemporary climate politics. Although Spence has no illusions about the challenges we face in trying to build a more respectful politics, this is ultimately a hopeful book that recognizes the redemptive power of having authentic conversations across difference. It deserves to be widely read.--William Boyd, author of The Slain Wood: Papermaking and Its Environmental Consequences in the American South

About the Author

David B. Spence is the Rex G. Baker Chair in Natural Resources Law in the School of Law and professor of business, government, and society in the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, where he teaches courses in energy and environmental regulation. He is a coauthor of a leading casebook, Energy, Economics, and the Environment.