Socio-Ecological Controversies from Chilean and Brazilian Sustainable Energy Transitions

Axel Bastián Poque González (), Yunesky Masip Macia, Lúcia da Costa Ferreira and Javier Valdes
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Axel Bastián Poque González: Center for Environmental Studies and Research, State University of Campinas, Rua dos Flamboyants, 155-Cidade Universitária, Campinas 13083867, São Paulo, Brazil
Yunesky Masip Macia: School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2430000, Chile
Lúcia da Costa Ferreira: Center for Environmental Studies and Research, State University of Campinas, Rua dos Flamboyants, 155-Cidade Universitária, Campinas 13083867, São Paulo, Brazil
Javier Valdes: Institute for Applied Informatics, Technische Hochschule Deggendorf, 94078 Freyung, Germany

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: Chile and Brazil have been historically recognised in South America for having a high share of renewable sources in their primary energy matrices. Furthermore, in the last two decades, aligned with the global efforts to conduct a sustainable energy transition, both countries have experienced a successful introduction of nonconventional renewable energy for power production. Nevertheless, some experiences with renewable sources have been demonstrated to be not entirely societally and environmentally friendly, as some local human communities and ecosystems are threatened, and conflicts have emerged, regardless of low-emission technology. Using the cases of Chile and Brazil, we aim to explore the socio-ecological dimension of sustainable energy transition—which has sometimes been ignored. We analyse the controversies regarding renewable energy and the emergence of socio-ecological conflicts through the principles of justice in transitions. Critical renewable conflicting power projects are identified using the Atlas of Environmental Justice’s database. Considering those experiences, we believe that reinforcing decision-making processes should be in synergy with identifying new alternatives to develop energy in both countries. Placing justice approaches at the centre of public policies is imperative to developing sustainable policies in the future.

Keywords: energy transition; energy justice; environmental justice; political ecology; Chile; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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