Exploring channels and gaps in information dissemination and acquisition among energy scientists and the public: The southeast Asian context

Abstract

This study investigates the flow of energy-related information, which plays a vital role in promoting the public understanding and support for various energy sources. Through 12 focus group discussions with the public and energy experts, this study found that energy information flows from scientists to the public through both direct (e.g., roadshows, scientists’ blogs) and indirect (via agents, e.g., school, news media) channels. However, communication gaps remain between scientists and the public. First, the public commonly obtains information from personal experience and the media but not directly from scientists. Second, while the public stressed the importance of mass media and social media, only a few experts reported writing news commentaries or making social media posts about energy. Third, while scientists emphasize their relationships with the government and other agencies in disseminating information, the public shows relatively weak trust in these agencies. Implications are made for future research and public communication on energy issues.

The Specific Features of the Factor of Understanding in the Scientific Communications

“…Diff erent ways and solutions to overcoming CG while carrying out awareness-raising and educational activities (in fact, this is SC) in various fi elds of science and technology are presented in [15]. Th e need for more intense communication between scientists and representatives of government, business and society aiming to increase confi dence in their reports, supported by scientifi c arguments, is discussed in [16]. Th e authors come to the conclusion that in order to conduct SC with the public, scientists should more actively use the advantages provided by interactive mass media (e. g., social media) and online platforms as well as develop the strategies to reach out diff erent population groups.…”

Lived Experiences of Energy Consumers at Panabo City, Philippines: A Phenomenology

“…However, the issue with RE is that it requires a lot of money to create facilities like solar power plants and wind farms, and the returns are not all that great. For this reason, the government devised the "Feed-in Tariff" (FIT) system, a subsidy program designed to promote the development and investment in renewable energy (Guild, 2019;Zhang, Malviya, Tandoc, & Ho, 2022).…”

“…Some people think that consumers still stand to lose more, particularly after the FIT-All suspension is lifted (Kabir, et. al, 2018;Shahzad, 2013;Zhang et al, 2022).…”

“…Public involvement has improved the ultimate decision-making process and, as a result, raised choice awareness. In order to progress energy initiatives and programs in the future, it is critical to see the contentious debates as essential prerequisites (Kabir et al, 2018;Zhang et al, 2022).…”