Editorial for the special feature: “Citizens’ attitudes and preferences for climate change policies and technologies in Southeast and East Asia”

Asia’s continued and rapid increase in energy demand underscores the need for the decarbonization of energy systems in the region. Concurrently, it is imperative to facilitate a just transition that can foster the support from citizens. This requires research that incorporates the perspectives of citizens regarding the various alternatives and pathways. This Special Feature offers novel insights into public preferences regarding renewable energy in urban areas in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Japan, as well as emerging technologies to address climate change in the region. Through country and comparative analyses, the papers in this Special Feature highlight the complexity of technological acceptance for decarbonization and the importance of considering the social, cultural, economic, and technological contexts that shape citizens’ attitudes.