Actions for Energy Just City : A case study of Baltimore City through the lens of Energy Justice

Email RIS file
Bookmark
Report an Issue

Energy Just City : A case study of Baltimore City through the lens of Energy Justice

Author
Kizhakkemarakkattil Janardhanan, Arjun
Published
[University Park, Pennsylvania] : Pennsylvania State University, 2024.
Physical Description
1 electronic document
Additional Creators
Azari, Rahman, 1979-
Access Online

Availability

I Want It
I Want It

Finding items...

Graduate Program
Restrictions on Access
Open Access.
Summary
Energy Poverty (EP) is a complex socio-spatial, economic, and environmental challenge that affects numerous households in the United States and worldwide. There is a high disparity in the impact of energy deprivation in different sections of society. Sections of society that have endured years of marginalization and disinvestment experience high EP compared to the rest. It is indisputable that energy systems play a crucial role in developing self and society. Thus, the question of EP becomes a question of justice and equity. It is hypothesized that EP is a form of social injustice affected by socio-spatial inequalities that prevail in cities. This research uses existing public data to gain an advanced understanding of the social, spatial, economic, and environmental determinants of EP in Baltimore City as a case study and an example of US cities experiencing unjust spatial segregation. The association of EP, captured through energy burden (EB), with social, economic, environmental, and spatial factors is analyzed using spatial regression as the statistical analysis technique with census tract as the unit of analysis. The factors affecting EB have been identified through a survey of existing scholarships. A shortlist of critical variables is then selected using Ordinary Least Square Regression. Energy Burden is treated as the dependent variable in spatial regression to identify the determinants of Energy Burden in Baltimore City. This work is then mapped with prominent determinants for each census tract. Based on this insight, possible mitigative policies are recommended. The results indicate that housing, health, and income are the primary drivers of energy poverty (EP). Moreover, the findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions at the census tract level, such as providing weatherization assistance for single-parent households with children under 18 years of age. Additionally, there is a clear need for transitioning towards cleaner forms of energy, such as electricity, which is effective in addressing EP in Baltimore City. These insights emphasize the importance of tailored approaches and sustainable energy solutions in mitigating EP and improving the well-being of vulnerable communities.
Other Subject(s)
Genre(s)
Dissertation Note
M.S. Pennsylvania State University 2024.
Technical Details
The full text of the dissertation is available as an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file ; Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view the file.
View MARC record | catkey: 44541524