H1 - Communication: Ocean literacy and public perception of ORE
H - Marine Planning and Governance
Challenges/Opportunities
The wider public is not well informed about offshore energy and in particular the concept of whole-systems approaches.
Solution
Supergen communication and engagement strategy; creation of material, events, blogs, Supergen ORE website; alignment of wider research base for promotion through Supergen.
Context and Need
There is a clear need for greater understanding of offshore renewable energy, what is meant by offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, and of the whole systems approach. Better understanding of ORE across primary, secondary, tertiary education, industry, policy/ governance agencies and general public is needed so that the potential benefits of ORE is understood
Summary
The Supergen ORE Hub leadership role includes connecting those active in the sector and communicating ORE issues to a range of user groups, including politicians and public, education and to improve understanding via use of public engagement. Better public understanding of ORE and whole-systems approaches, ocean literacy and ecological interactions, will impact on public perception and the granting of Social License.
Impact Potential
Media, Teaching and workshop material could be used globally to lead to acceptability as well as means to relay the current critical issues.
Research Summary
There are lots of ideas/techniques currently being examined:
- Frontiers for Young Minds
- British Ecological Society Policy Network
- UKERC (UK Energy Research Centre)
- POST - Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
- People Ocean Plant (POP)
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- Gaia’s Energy Adventure (Supergen ORE Hub): A new children’s adventure book in offshore renewable energy (ORE) has been launched by the Supergen ORE Hub. The book aims to communicate the often complex subject of offshore wind, wave and tidal energy to 4-6 year olds and those reading with them, as well as encouraging girls and those from other underrepresented groups to consider a career in engineering.