This chapter presents the main ideas behind this edited volume and
provides a background for the individual chapters encompassed therein. The chapter
examines energy transition as one of the main components connected to climate
change and highlights the potential contribution of the humanities and social sciences
(previously largely excluded from the conversation) to the process of developing
possible post-carbon economies, societies, and energy systems. It points to the
energy humanities as a key means of providing insight into the various social, political, cultural, economic, and ideological aspects of energy transition, thus not only
contributing to the mitigation of the consequences of climate change but also helping
prevent climate change from reaching the point of no return.