Researcher(s):
Gabby Francolla Raiven Greenberg Natalie Gonzalez
ENVS course(s): 220 Initiated: November 2015 Completed: December 2015 Go to project site
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With knowledge of how traditional forms of energy are contributing to increased carbon in our atmosphere and furthering climate change, many governments are now embracing renewable energy as an alternative to carbon-heavy energy sources. Portland, Oregon is one of such governments working to incorporate renewable energy into its energy portfolios. After perusing literature on renewable energy, our lab team devised the following questions: What are Portland resident’s perceptions of renewable energy and how do these perceptions relate to current energy policy in Portland? How does Portland compare on the national and global scale in regards to renewable energy?
In order to shed some light on these questions, our lab team created and administered a survey to both people living in Portland and to people living in other areas of the U.S., even garnering some international responses. We found that Portland residents were generally more likely to have higher ratings of renewable energy than people from other areas of the country and abroad. We conducted follow-up interviews for a more intensive understanding and found that Portland residents are generally more educated about renewable energy and more sure of their views whereas individuals from other areas of the U.S. and abroad showed more uncertainty and tried to back their claims with more examples of their interactions with and knowledge of such technologies.
From our research, we hope to have a better understanding about how Portland perceives renewable energy compared to the rest of the country and to see how residents' perceptions compare to city and statewide policy and initiatives regarding renewable energy. Renewable energy is an important topic on an international scale, with the Paris climate conference, COP21, recently coming to a close and perceptions and opinions of renewable energy undoubtedly holding much weight in the discussion and the final outcomes of the conference.