Futures of the Sun: The Struggle Over Renewable Life

Who will lead the transition from fossil fuel–dependent societies into renewable energy futures?

Energy transition is crucial to the struggle against climate change. But even while embracing the death of fossil fuels, some want to preserve the current social and political order. Futures of the Sun explores the competing eco-stories being offered by people intent on shaping the transition to fit their vision and version of a renewable society. Imre Szeman explains how and why key players are working hard to make sure a greener, cleaner future will look much like the world we live in today. He examines the rhetoric, ideology, and politics of liberal nationalists intent on fighting a war against climate change, billionaire solar entrepreneurs who believe only in themselves, and the populist far right who want no change at all.

Offering possible new critical and political avenues, Szeman reveals how those on the environmental left can ensure their vision of egalitarianism beyond the status quo can become the reality of our renewable future.

Imre Szeman is director of the Institute for Environment, Conservation, and Sustainability and professor of human geography at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He is cofounder of the Petrocultures Research Group.