Possibilities and limits of energy transition: An analysis in the light of post-normal science

The article presents the results of the project developed by the Research Group on Energy Governance in the Macrometropolis Paulista with regard to Climate Variability. Based on a qualitative approach supported by document analysis and quantitative and qualitative data produced by the research group, this paper combines the concepts of “policy style” and “post-normal science”, considering energy transition on the one hand and mitigation and adaptation to climate change on the other. This conceptual framework is instrumental in three case studies: a) the geopolitics of energy in Latin America, at the macro level; b) the ten-year energy plan in Brazil, at the meso level; and, c) mitigation and adaptation policies toward climate change in the city of São Paulo, at the micro level. Although institutional proposals are identified at the three levels regarding the management of energy sources and the reduction of emissions, the practices imply multifaceted contexts, making it difficult to achieve the goals advocated by public policies.