Alternative energies: Social, economic and environmental impacts

This study is the result of a comparative analysis between Brazil and Canada on the current development of alternative energy and its social, economic and environmental impacts. Although the number of studies on these impacts are reduced, it is possible to propose an model of "types and impacts" of the changes generated in the economy, the environment and lives of people, including changes in the habits of citizens, businesses, civil society and civil governments. The study is based on field research in Brazil and Canada, besides the analysis of indicators of the industry and energy policies of countries in the Americas. The thesis of the study is the development of an "energy transition", and the trend appears to be hybridization with increasing deployment of plants based on renewable and alternative energy - that is, a gradual energy transition toward a "world of low carbon".