The continuing evolution of Energy Policy

Other text in scientific journal, 2020

As the world confronts the Covid-19 pandemic, we hope that all of you are doing well. We know that many lives have been greatly disrupted, and that world economic activity is slowing and maybe declining in some places. We have read reports that energy consumption has been greatly affected by the slowdown in world economic activity—likely contributing to the sharp plunge in oil prices earlier this year. We do not know how long this pandemic may last. As we look forward to the end of the pandemic and a recovering world economy, however, we wonder if and how energy systems may have to be transformed, and whether new energy policy needs and approaches will emerge. Will we see any change in the trajectory of adopting sustainable energy systems and reducing carbon emissions?

In the academic world, many of us are now teleworking and teaching our courses online. This transition has proved time consuming—so we want to thank our many reviewers who are staying on or close to schedule. So far, Energy Policy has been mostly unaffected by the pandemic, but we must recognize that the Elsevier employees who are responsible for the operations side of the journal may at some time be affected by Covid-19.

In the meantime, we want to keep you informed about some recent developments regarding Energy Policy, including a little about its history and our editorial priorities.