Energy Consumption Patterns and Behaviors

In face of many socio-economic and environmental impacts of climate change, energy transition toward carbon neutrality has become a critical challenge in most societies. Thus, energy consumption factors and processes, as well as appropriate energy supply, have been addressed through various theoretical and quantitative approaches. In order to understand the social context of energy demand and to effectively cope with climate change, sociological discussions in this field must be continuously accumulated. More international, national, regional, community and individual scale empirical studies are needed. What are the energy consumption patterns and behaviors of individuals or social groups and how do they differ? How does energy consumption relate to institutions, cultures, lifestyles, social norms, skills and experiences? This session will address the relationship between energy consumption and various social variables and theoretical backgrounds from a sociological perspective, along with temporal trends or spatial differences. The discussion in this session will increase the understanding of energy consumption from a sociological point of view and provide implications for policy making.