Percepciones sociales frente a la descarbonización de sectores industriales en Ecuador

Xavier Arcentales Bastidas

doi:10.65598/rps.6075

Authors

Xavier Arcentales Bastidas Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, 092301, Ecuador

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65598/rps.6075

Keywords:

Industrial decarbonization, Social acceptance, Public perception, Climate policies, Emission-intensive sectors

Abstract

The decarbonization of emission-intensive industrial sectors is a key component in achieving climate commitments, but its viability depends not only on technical and economic factors, but also on social acceptance. This article analyzes public perceptions of industrial decarbonization strategies in Ecuador, with an emphasis on sectors that are difficult to mitigate. An exploratory study was developed based on surveys of 502 adults (>18 years) residing in the country, addressing dimensions such as knowledge, public acceptance, perception of risks and benefits, institutional trust, and willingness to change. The results show a high level of awareness of climate change, contrasted with a low level of familiarity with the concept of decarbonization, which increases indecision regarding support for climate policies. Greater support is observed for measures perceived as tangible, such as the expansion of renewable energies and the improvement of public transportation, while fiscal instruments are less accepted. The acceptance of emerging technologies, such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), is strongly influenced by perceptions of safety and prior knowledge. Likewise, trust in universities and scientists far exceeds trust in the government, significantly influencing citizen support. The study concludes that technical education, distributive equity, and institutional transparency are determining factors in strengthening the social legitimacy of industrial decarbonization in Ecuador.

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References

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