Dear all,

Fully cognizant it’s both a horrible time to do research, yet also a 
fascinating time for those of us in the research community, we’ve organized a 
quick, fairly short section of the journal Energy Research & Social Science 
interrogating the nexus of energy sustainability, climate change, and the 
Covid-19 pandemic. Elsevier has graciously agreed to make all articles within 
it promotional gold open access for the next six months. You can see a link to 
the Special Section below, and the table of contents below that.

A thousand thanks—maybe more—to the contributors and peer reviewers that made 
publishing this in an expedited fashion possible.

Happy to share a single PDF of the entire Special Section as requested, via 
email. Just write to me.

Wishing everyone the best of health,

Benjamin K. Sovacool
Editor-in-Chief
Energy Research & Social Science

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/energy-research-and-social-science/vol/68/suppl/C
Special Section of COVID-19 Perspectives
Introduction
Benjamin K. Sovacool, Dylan Furszyfer Del Rio, Steve Griffiths, Contextualizing 
the Covid-19 pandemic for a carbon-constrained world: Insights for 
sustainability transitions, energy justice, and research methodology, Energy 
Research & Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101701, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101701.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302760)
Abstract: The global Covid-19 pandemic has rapidly overwhelmed our societies, 
shocked the global economy and overburdened struggling health care systems and 
other social institutions around the world. While such impacts of Covid-19 are 
becoming clearer, the implications of the disease for energy and climate policy 
are more prosaic. This Special Section seeks to offer more clarity on the 
emerging connections between Covid-19 and energy supply and demand, energy 
governance, future low-carbon transitions, social justice, and even the 
practice of research methodology. It features articles that ask, and answer: 
What are the known and anticipated impacts of Covid-19 on energy demand and 
climate change? How has the disease shaped institutional responses and varying 
energy policy frameworks, especially in Africa? How will the disease impact 
ongoing social practices, innovations and sustainability transitions, including 
not only renewable energy but also mobility? How might the disease, and social 
responses to it, exacerbate underlying patterns of energy poverty, energy 
vulnerability, and energy injustice? Lastly, what challenges and insights does 
the pandemic offer for the practice of research, and for future research 
methodology? We find that without careful guidance and consideration, the brave 
new age wrought by Covid-19 could very well collapse in on itself with bloated 
stimulus packages that counter sustainability goals, misaligned incentives that 
exacerbate climate change, the entrenchment of unsustainable practices, and 
acute and troubling consequences for vulnerable groups.
Keywords: Coronavirus; Covid-19; Energy policy; Climate policy; Energy 
governance; Sustainability transitions

The energy and climate impacts of the virus
Azzam Abu-Rayash, Ibrahim Dincer, Analysis of mobility trends during the 
COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic: Exploring the impacts on global aviation and 
travel in selected cities, Energy Research & Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 
101693, ISSN 2214-6296, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101693. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302681)
Abstract: This paper analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on the transportation 
sector and subsequent implications on the sectoral energy savings and 
greenhouse gas emissions in some selected cities worldwide. A model for smart 
transportation is proposed by considering four indicators, including transport 
efficiency, technology integration, traffic congestion rate, and accessibility 
ratio. While prior health crises, such as SARS, impacted the transportation 
sector, the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, resulting in exceptional 
impacts on this sector. Canadian Civil Aviation activities dropped by 71%, 
compared to business as usual, whereas military aviation activities declined by 
27%. As of the end of June 2020, cities with higher than 50% mobility index 
include Brussels, Singapore, Stockholm, Lyon, Paris, Moscow, and Hong Kong with 
the highest mobility index of 76%. American cities have the lowest mobility 
indexes as of the end of June with mobility indexes lower than 20%. It is 
expected and reasonable to assume that the public’s response to COVID-19 will 
exceed that of SARS. While Britons and Canadians are the biggest supporters of 
keeping the economy and businesses shut until COVID-19 is fully contained, the 
Chinese, Russians, Indians, and Italians find it vital to restart the economy 
regardless. Results show that the majority of the world is in a state of mental 
distress and will face nervousness and anxiety issues post-COVID-19. This 
sentiment is strongest in India, Japan, China, the U.K., Brazil and Canada, 
ranging between 68% and 78%. The trucking industry is the main contributor to 
the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the Canadian transportation sector, 
accounting for more than 62% of the total emissions in 2019. Given the impact 
of COVID-19, forecasted GHG emissions of the Canadian transportation sector for 
2020is evaluated to be 93 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Energy sustainability; Energy research; 
Environment; Transportation; Social behaviour

Seyed Ehsan Hosseini, An outlook on the global development of renewable and 
sustainable energy at the time of COVID-19, Energy Research & Social Science, 
Volume 68, 2020, 101633, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101633. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302085)
Abstract: The outbreak of the novel COVID-19 has dominated the world stage, and 
its consequences, both direct and indirect, are expected to prove to be even 
more pervasive over time. The COVID-19 pandemic has struck the renewable energy 
manufacturing facilities, supply chains, and companies and slowed down the 
transition to the sustainable energy world. The global decline in 
economy-driven demand could damage the positive trend of green and low-carbon 
energy progress. Although it is too early to judge how profound the negative 
effects of the pandemic on the global renewable and sustainable energy systems 
will be, a significant short-run contraction to the development of renewables 
is inevitable. Therefore, the energy and climate policies may require to be 
restructured based on the new circumstances. In this context, several 
beneficial stimuluses should be offered by the governments to persuade the 
private sectors and society to invest on renewables. Undoubtedly, intelligent 
policies could convert the menaces of COVID-19 to the great opportunities for 
renewables and ultimately the world’s sustainable energy scenario could return 
to its long-term trajectory toward green power generation and utilization over 
the next few years.

Michael Jefferson, A crude future? COVID-19s challenges for oil demand, supply 
and prices, Energy Research & Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101669, ISSN 
2214-6296, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101669.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302449)
Abstract: Assessing prospects for future oil prices is an uncertain activity 
but, barring Middle East conflict creating severe supply issues, crude oil 
prices are expected to stage a recovery by third-quarter 2020 and modest 
further recovery in first-half 2021, with the range $40 to $60 per barrel for 
WTI and Brent. Despite such a recovery there will be many oil sectors incurring 
losses, from US shale oil and Canadian tar sands producers, to many standard 
crude oil exporters incurring problems with production equipment access and 
costs, or experiencing lack of competitiveness in key markets.
Keywords: Pandemic; Price impacts; Crude oil qualities; Competitive 
strengths/weaknesses

Nima Norouzi, Gerardo Zarazua de Rubens, Saeed Choupanpiesheh, Peter 
Enevoldsen, When pandemics impact economies and climate change: Exploring the 
impacts of COVID-19 on oil and electricity demand in China, Energy Research & 
Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101654, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101654. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302292)
Abstract: Despite all the scientific and technological developments in the past 
one hundred years, biologic issues such as pandemics are a constant threat to 
society. While one of the aspects of a pandemic is the loss of human life, the 
outbreak has multi-dimensional impacts across regional and global societies. In 
this paper, a comparative regressive and neural network model is developed to 
analyze the impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the electricity and petroleum 
demand in China. The environmental analysis shows that the epidemic severeness 
significantly affects the electricity and the petroleum demand, both directly 
and indirectly. The outputs of the model stated that the elasticity of 
petroleum and electricity demand toward the population of the infected people 
is −0.1% and −0.65%, respectively. The mentioned results show that pandemic 
status has a significant impact on energy demand, and also its impacts can be 
tracked into every corner of human society.
Keywords: Demand analysis; Economic impacts; COVID-19; Socio-economic analysis; 
Energy policy

Azzam Abu-Rayash, Ibrahim Dincer, Analysis of the electricity demand trends 
amidst the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Energy Research & Social Science, 
Volume 68, 2020, 101682, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101682. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302577)
Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of COVID-19 and the global 
pandemic on the energy sector dynamics. Hourly electricity demand data was 
collected and analyzed for the province of Ontario. It is evident that 
health-related pandemics have a detrimental and direct influence on the concept 
of the smart city. This is manifested through various social, economic, 
environmental, technological and energy-related changes. The overall 
electricity demand of the province for the month of April of this year amidst 
pandemic conditions declined by 14%, totaling 1267 GW. A unique trend of 
reciprocating energy demand exists throughout the week. The post-COVID-19 
indicates higher energy demand in the earlier part of the week and a lower 
demand in the latter part of the week. Pre-pandemic, the days of highest 
electricity demand were in the latter part of the work week (Wed-Fri) in 
addition to the weekend. Post-pandemic, the highest electricity demand occurred 
in the earlier part of the week (Mon-Tue). Hourly electricity demand shows a 
clear curve flattening during the pandemic, especially during peak hours of 
7–11 in the morning and 5–7 in the evening, resulting in significant demand 
reductions during these periods. Lastly, due to COVID-19, GHG emission 
reductions of 40,000 tonnes of CO2e were achieved along with savings of 
$131,844 for the month of April.
Keywords: Smart city; COVID-19 pandemic; Energy conservation; Electricity 
demand reduction

Alireza Bahmanyar, Abouzar Estebsari, Damien Ernst, The impact of different 
COVID-19 containment measures on electricity consumption in Europe, Energy 
Research & Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101683, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101683. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302589)
Abstract: As of March 13, 2020, the director general of the World Health 
Organization (WHO) considered Europe as the centre of the global COVID-19 
outbreak. All countries within Europe had a confirmed case of COVID-19 by March 
17. In response to the pandemic, different European countries took different 
approaches. This paper compares the impact of different containment measures 
taken by European countries in response to COVID-19 on their electricity 
consumption profiles. The comparisons are made for Spain, Italy, Belgium and 
the UK as countries with severe restrictions, and for the Netherlands and 
Sweden as countries with less restrictive measures. The results show that the 
consumption profiles reflect the difference in peoples’ activities in different 
countries using various measures.
Keywords: COVID_19; Coronavirus; European power systems; Consumer behaviour

Mulualem G. Gebreslassie, COVID-19 and energy access: An opportunity or a 
challenge for the African continent?, Energy Research & Social Science, Volume 
68, 2020, 101677, ISSN 2214-6296, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101677. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302528)
Abstract: As the COVID-19 pandemic gains ground in the African continent, it 
will create havoc and unprecedented health and economic crisis. The crisis has 
exposed the robustness and resilience of the economies and services such as 
health systems around the world and it is disaster in the making while the 
pandemic is spreading fast to the African continent. This is alarming mainly 
because the continent has weak health system compounded by low access to modern 
and reliable electricity. It is also anticipated that the crisis will be 
brought ample opportunities and the African governments and the people should 
make coordinated and concerted effort in developing conducive business 
environment and exploit the opportunities presented to facilitate energy access 
focusing on clean and renewable energy technologies. This is a big test for the 
continent and thus it will either brought prosperity through facilitating 
universal energy access by effectively utilizing the opportunities brought by 
the crisis or the lack of energy access will continue affecting communities the 
ability to improve their livelihoods.
Keywords: Energy access; COVID-19; Challenges; Opportunities

Mark McCarthy Akrofi, Sarpong Hammond Antwi, COVID-19 energy sector responses 
in Africa: A review of preliminary government interventions, Energy Research & 
Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101681, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101681. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302565)
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed unprecedented shocks across all 
facets of society, from strained healthcare systems to the closure of schools 
and economies. The energy sector is of no exception, with several concerns 
being raised about the ramifications that will arise for the clean energy 
transition. The goal of our study is to review how governments in Africa have 
responded to this challenge in the energy sector. We used an internet search to 
gather information from government policy statements/briefs, and websites of 
international organizations such as the IMF, WHO, KPMG, and the World Bank. Our 
review revealed that the majority of preliminary responses were short-term and 
include the provision of free electricity, waiver/suspension of bill payments, 
and VAT exemptions on electricity bills. These measures were more pronounced in 
sub-Sahara Africa while oil-rich countries of the North mostly have broad 
economic measures that target their oil and gas sectors. Economic stimulus 
packages prepared by most countries do not explicitly mention energy sector 
companies/institutions, especially the Renewable Energies (RE) sector. Only 
three countries (Nigeria, Kenya, and Burkina Faso) had specific interventions 
for renewables. Overall, interventions were mostly fiscal/financial and 
short-term, with medium to long term measures often broad without being 
specific to the energy sector. As governments take measures to bolster their 
economies, they must pay particular attention to the challenges posed by the 
pandemic in the energy sector and capitalize on the opportunities that it 
presents to drive the clean energy transition.
Keywords: COVID-19; Energy; Coronavirus; Energy transition; Africa; Energy 
policy

Implications for sustainability transitions
Wisdom Kanda, Paula Kivimaa, What opportunities could the COVID-19 outbreak 
offer for sustainability transitions research on electricity and mobility?, 
Energy Research & Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101666, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101666. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302413)
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic is a major landscape shock that is having 
pervasive effects across socio-technical systems. Due to its recentness, 
sustainability scientists and other researchers have only started to 
investigate the implications of this crisis. The COVID-19 outbreak presents a 
unique opportunity to analyze in real time the effects of a protracted 
landscape-scale perturbation on the trajectories of sustainability transitions. 
In this perspective, we explore the ramifications for sustainability transition 
research on electricity and mobility, drawing from selected examples in Finland 
and Sweden. The long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to 
trigger more permanent changes connected to the digitalization of work and 
other daily activities, thus reducing mobility needs and overall fossil-energy 
consumption. The crisis may encourage governance systems to be better prepared 
for different types of shocks in the future, while it also contains a threat of 
increasingly populist or undemocratic political responses and increased 
securitization. These developments can guide research by addressing the 
reproduction of new practices arising from the COVID-19 outbreak to accelerate 
sustainability transitions, enhancing understanding of the role of governance 
in transitions, and bringing to attention the ethical and political 
implications of landscape shocks.
Keywords: COVID-19; Sustainability transitions; Landscape shocks; Window of 
opportunity

Caroline Kuzemko, Michael Bradshaw, Gavin Bridge, Andreas Goldthau, Jessica 
Jewell, Indra Overland, Daniel Scholten, Thijs Van de Graaf, Kirsten Westphal, 
Covid-19 and the politics of sustainable energy transitions, Energy Research & 
Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101685, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101685. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302607)
Abstract: In this perspectives piece, an interdisciplinary team of social 
science researchers considers the implications of Covid-19 for the politics of 
sustainable energy transitions. The emergency measures adopted by states, 
firms, and individuals in response to this global health crisis have driven a 
series of political, economic and social changes with potential to influence 
sustainable energy transitions. We identify some of the initial impacts of the 
‘great lockdown’ on sustainable and fossil sources of energy, and consider how 
economic stimulus packages and social practices in the wake of the pandemic are 
likely to shape energy demand, the carbon-intensity of the energy system, and 
the speed of transitions. Adopting a broad multi-scalar and multi-actor 
approach to the analysis of energy system change, we highlight continuities and 
discontinuities with pre-pandemic trends. Discussion focuses on four key themes 
that shape the politics of sustainable energy transitions: (i) the short, 
medium and long-term temporalities of energy system change; (ii) practices of 
investment around clean-tech and divestment from fossil fuels; (iii) structures 
and scales of energy governance; and (iv) social practices around mobility, 
work and public health. While the effects of the pandemic continue to unfold, 
some of its sectoral and geographically differentiated impacts are already 
emerging. We conclude that the politics of sustainable energy transitions are 
now at a critical juncture, in which the form and direction of state support 
for post-pandemic economic recovery will be key.
Keywords: Covid-19; Politics; Sustainable energy transition; Social practices; 
Fossil fuels; Renewables

Connections with social justice and vulnerability
Kathleen Brosemer, Chelsea Schelly, Valoree Gagnon, Kristin L. Arola, Joshua M. 
Pearce, Douglas Bessette, Laura Schmitt Olabisi, The energy crises revealed by 
COVID: Intersections of Indigeneity, inequity, and health, Energy Research & 
Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101661, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101661.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221462962030236X)
Abstract: The global COVID-19 pandemic is a health crisis, an economic crisis, 
and a justice crisis. It also brings to light multiple ongoing, underlying 
social crises. The COVID-19 crisis is actively revealing crises of energy 
sovereignty in at least four ways. First, there are many whose access to basic 
health services is compromised because of the lack of energy services necessary 
to provide these services. Second, some people are more vulnerable to COVID-19 
because of exposure to environmental pollution associated with energy 
production. Third, energy services are vital to human wellbeing, yet access to 
energy services is largely organized as a consumer good. The loss of stable 
income precipitated by COVID-19 may therefore mean that many lose reliable 
access to essential energy services. Fourth, the COVID-19 crisis has created a 
window of opportunity for corporate interests to engage in aggressive pursuit 
of energy agendas that perpetuate carbon intensive and corporate controlled 
energy systems, which illuminates the ongoing procedural injustices of energy 
decision making. These four related crises demonstrate why energy sovereignty 
is essential for a just energy future. Energy sovereignty is defined as the 
right for communities, rather than corporate interests, to control access to 
and decision making regarding the sources, scales, and forms of ownership 
characterizing access to energy services. Energy sovereignty is a critical 
component in the design of a post-COVID-19 energy system that is capable of 
being resilient to future shocks without exacerbating injustices that are 
killing the most vulnerable among us.
Keywords: Energy sovereignty; Energy justice; Environmental justice; Covid-19

Paolo Mastropietro, Pablo Rodilla, Carlos Batlle, Emergency measures to protect 
energy consumers during the Covid-19 pandemic: A global review and critical 
analysis, Energy Research & Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101678, ISSN 
2214-6296, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101678.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221462962030253X)
Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown exacerbated energy 
poverty and insecurity worldwide. Many governments introduced emergency 
measures to protect energy consumers during confinement. This article reviews 
and classifies the policies implemented in several jurisdictions around the 
world, identifying potential inefficiencies, but also best practices. According 
to our analysis, these much-needed relief measures should be based on a proper 
targeting and a consistent financing.
Keywords: Covid-19; Energy poverty; Fuel poverty; Energy insecurity; 
Disconnection ban; Energy assistance programme; Social tariff

Matthew S. Henry, Morgan D. Bazilian, Chris Markuson, Just transitions: 
Histories and futures in a post-COVID world, Energy Research & Social Science, 
Volume 68, 2020, 101668, ISSN 2214-6296, 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101668.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302437)
Abstract: The energy landscape is changing dramatically. Communities are being 
impacted in different ways. Positive impacts include reductions in air 
pollution and new tax revenues from renewables. Negative impacts include lost 
jobs and foregone tax revenues after closure of large fossil fuels generation 
facilities and coal mines. The contours of this transition have been further 
altered by recent events such as the global oil market crash and the COVID-19 
pandemic. While economic and social issues can be addressed through thoughtful 
policy design, the pace of change, and the extent to which communities have a 
say in what comes next, matter. Though the technical issues of transitions are 
well-researched, the socio-economic aspects of the energy transition remain 
both emergent and essential to an equitable transition to a low-carbon energy 
system. This article provides an overview of the history and current status of 
just transitions.
Keywords: Just transitions; Energy transitions; Socio-economics

Insights for research methodology
Michael J. Fell, Laura Pagel, Chien-fei Chen, Matthew H. Goldberg, Mario 
Herberz, Gesche M. Huebner, Siddharth Sareen, Ulf J.J. Hahnel, Validity of 
energy social research during and after COVID-19: challenges, considerations, 
and responses, Energy Research & Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101646, ISSN 
2214-6296, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101646.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302218)
Abstract: Measures to control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 
are having unprecedented impacts on people’s lives around the world. In this 
paper, we argue that those conducting social research in the energy domain 
should give special consideration to the internal and external validity of 
their work conducted during this pandemic period. We set out a number of 
principles that researchers can consider to give themselves and research users 
greater confidence that findings and recommendations will still be applicable 
in years to come. Largely grounded in existing good practice guidance, our 
recommendations include collecting and reporting additional supporting 
contextual data, reviewing aspects of research design for vulnerability to 
validity challenges, and building in longitudinal elements where feasible. We 
suggest that these approaches also bring a number of opportunities to generate 
new insights. However, we caution that a more systemic challenge to validity of 
knowledge produced during this period may result from changes in the kinds of 
social research that it is practicable to pursue.
Keywords: Social science; Energy; Validity; COVID-19

Chien-fei Chen, Gerardo Zarazua de Rubens, Xiaojing Xu, Jiayi Li, Coronavirus 
comes home? Energy use, home energy management, and the social-psychological 
factors of COVID-19, Energy Research & Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101688, 
ISSN 2214-6296, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101688.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302632)
Abstract: This study explores the dynamics of energy use patterns, climate 
change issues and the relationship between social-psychological factors, with 
residents’ acceptance of and willingness to pay (WTP) for home energy 
management systems (HEMS) during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York. The results 
of our survey suggest that there were no longer morning or evening usage peaks 
on weekdays, and a significant portion of respondents are experiencing higher 
or much higher electricity use than average. Most residents' perception of 
climate change issues during COVID-19 remained unchanged. Attitude, perceived 
behavioral control, and social norms are overall the strongest predictors of 
adoption intention and WTP for HEMS. Regarding WTP for specific well-being 
features, attitude was the strongest positive predictor of telemedical and home 
security features, and social norms are the strongest positive predictor of 
elderly assistance and job search. Technology anxiety, surprisingly, positively 
influences WTP for the well-being features. Trust in utilities is not related 
to adoption intention, but is positively associated with WTP for the well-being 
features. Although cybersecurity concerns are positively associated with HEMS 
adoption intention for energy and well-being features, this relationship is not 
significant in WTP. Residents who had moderate perceived risk of getting 
COVID-19 are willing to pay more than the high- and low-risk groups. This paper 
addresses the interactions among technology attributes, and users’ 
social-psychological and demographics factors. Additionally, this study 
provides insights for further research in examining technology adoption and 
energy dynamics during times of crises, such as the COVID-19.
Keywords: Home Energy Management System (HEMS); COVID-19; Social norms; 
Willingness to pay; Climate change; Energy demand

Marius Schwarz, Aline Scherrer, Claudia Hohmann, Jonas Heiberg, Andri Brugger, 
Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez, COVID-19 and the academy: It is time for going 
digital, Energy Research & Social Science, Volume 68, 2020, 101684, ISSN 
2214-6296, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101684. 
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620302590)
Abstract: In many countries, the lock-down due to the COVID-19 pandemic 
triggered discussions on the use of digital interaction formats for academic 
exchange. The pace with which researchers adopted digital formats for 
conferences, lectures, and meetings revealed that currently available tools can 
substitute many of the physical interactions in the workplace. It also showed 
that academics are willing to use digital tools for scientific exchange. This 
article sheds light on scholars' experiences with digital formats and tools 
during the pandemic. We argue that digital interaction formats increase the 
inclusivity of knowledge exchange, reduce time and costs of organizing academic 
interactions, and enable more diverse workspaces with geographical and temporal 
flexibility. However, we also observe that digital interaction formats struggle 
to reproduce social interactions such as informal discussions, raise new 
concerns on data security, and can induce higher stress levels due to the 
blurring of the boundaries between work and private spaces. We argue that 
digital formats are not meant to substitute physical interactions entirely, but 
rather reshape how research communities operate and how academics socialize. We 
expect hybrid formats to emerge, which combine digital and physical interaction 
formats, and an increase in digital interactions between geographically distant 
working groups. We conclude that the time has come for digital interaction 
formats to be part of a new regime in the field of academic exchange.

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