Uncertainty in the availability of natural resources: Fossil fuels, critical metals and biomass

摘要: Energy policies are strongly influenced by resource availability and recoverability estimates. Yet these estimates often highly uncertain, frequently incommensurable, regularly contested. This paper explores how the uncertainties surrounding of fossil fuels, biomass critical metals conceptualised communicated. The contention is that a better understanding for both conventional renewable energy resources can contribute to more effective policy decision making in long term. Two complementary approaches framing uncertainty considered detail: descriptive typology framework conceptualises as alternative states incomplete knowledge. Both have potential be useful analytical communication tools. For three types here we find data limitations, inconsistent definitions use incommensurable methodologies present pervasive problem impedes comparison. Many aspects also not commonly captured classification schemes. highlights need considerable care when developing comparing aggregate using inform strategic decisions.