Texas Law faculty are invited to gather on April 11 for a discussion of “Climate of Contempt: Rescuing the Energy Transition from Voter Partisanship,” the recent book by Professor David Spence, the Rex G. Baker Centennial Chair in Natural Resources Law.
In “Climate of Contempt,” Spence examines the deep political divides shaping national climate and energy policy. Rather than placing blame solely on corporate influence, the book argues that bitter partisanship among voters is the main obstacle to achieving a net-zero carbon future. Spence challenges the conventional wisdom of a top-down policy process controlled by economic elites and instead presents a more nuanced, voter-centric perspective on energy transition debates. Through an exploration of regulatory complexity, media influence, and the challenges of bipartisan communication, Spence offers a fresh approach to overcoming polarization in climate policy.
The event runs from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Sheffield-Massey room (TNH 2.111) and is open to Texas Law faculty. Guest panelists include Professor David Adelman and UCLA Law Professor William Boyd.
For more information on Spence’s research and supplemental resources, visit the Climate of Contempt website.