Contrasting Paradigms of Energy Security: Which Way for the Future? An Ecological Economics Perspective

This paper argues that mainstream discourse on energy security is premised upon the assumption of infinite growth and for this reason focuses upon the political, security and economic aspects of energy security. Consequently, it fails to provide satisfactory answers to the global environmental, energy, economic, geopolitical, and developmental challenges. The emerging alternative paradigm, to the contrary, makes a strong case for disentangling prosperity from growth and studies how a substantial retreat of energy consumption is not only feasible, but will also efficiently address the sustainability challenge and enhance overall energy security. It also suggests how it can alleviate geopolitical and developmental tensions. Ultimately, the paper poses the fundamental question of how valid our assumptions are to lead us into a better, and sustainable, future.