Power, Participation, and Injustice in the Green Energy Transition

Author: Cristina Campomanes

Field of Study: Political Science; Economics

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 77

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: The transition from fossil fuels to green/low-carbon energy is a crucial step towards mitigating climate change. However, green energy projects often replicate the same environmental and social injustices produced by traditional extractivism. This tension raises the question of how projects under the framework of green extractivism can be implemented without harming surrounding communities. By comparing lithium mining, hydropower, and woody biomass projects, this paper examines how different factors such as green energy type, extraction scale, community involvement, and governance structure shape project outcomes. This analysis suggests that the key factor to minimizing harm experienced by frontline communities is meaningful local participation in the decision-making process. Ensuring that mitigation efforts do not exacerbate the very injustices they aim to resolve requires the development of projects that are both environmentally effective and socially just.