HMSC Research Seminar, April 4, 2024

Speaker: Sarah Klain, Marine Reserves Program, ODFW Topic: Bird killer, industrial intruder or clean energy? Navigating offshore wind project risk perceptions and community engagement Reducing the risk of catastrophic climate change requires rapidly transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner sources of electricity. Offshore wind promises to be a source of low carbon, utility-scale electricity. Although national-scale polls demonstrate high levels of public support for developing renewable energy, local opposition has led to cancelations of renewable energy projects globally. In the context of offshore wind, I investigated 1) perceived risks and benefits; 2) people’s willingness to pay to mitigate environmental risks; 3) values that influence these choices and attitudes; and 4) public deliberation processes used to engage citizens in decisions about local siting and alternative energy options. Insights gained from this research in coastal New England and New Zealand are relevant for Oregon and other regions considering this technology.