The vision of a low-energy society as guide for a polycentric climate change policy

The current perception of the climate change decision problem is large based on justifying costs of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by the benefits of preventing a climate catastrophe. However, carbon dioxide emissions can only be stabilized by non-marginal improvements in energy efficiency. Such changes cannot be brought about by conventional policy measures. They require a polycentric understanding of policy. The paper suggests a process-based approach to decision making guided by the vision of a low-energy society. Such an approach requires new concepts in modelling that address evolutionary change in socioeconomic systems. It also requires innovation in institutional settings to facilitate processes of social learning.