Power structures and entrenched interests hinder the transition to a low-carbon world
In short: Despite thirty years of international cooperation and scientific warnings, global carbon dioxide levels have climbed by 60% since 1990. A review of existing research suggests that this failure to reduce emissions is not just a technical hurdle but is deeply rooted in systemic power dynamics.
The analysis examined nine different factors, including economics, geopolitics, and energy systems, to understand why climate goals remain unmet. The researchers found that a recurring theme across all these areas is the dominance of specific political-economic hegemonies and vested interests that protect current carbon-intensive models.
By synthesizing diverse literature, the study highlights how narrow techno-economic mindsets often prioritize existing power structures over necessary systemic change. A primary limitation of this work is that it synthesizes existing research rather than conducting new primary data collection or original modeling.
Why it matters: Understanding why we haven't solved climate change requires looking past technology at the underlying power structures that benefit from the status quo.
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