Socio-Ecological Controversies from Chilean and Brazilian Sustainable Energy Transitions

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 succe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sustainability 2023-01, Vol.15 (3), p.1861
Main Authors: Poque González, Axel Bastián, Masip Macia, Yunesky, Ferreira, Lúcia da Costa, Valdes, Javier
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternative energy sources
Carbon
Decision making
Ecosystems
Electric power
Electricity distribution
Energy industry
Energy policy
Environmental aspects
Environmental equity
Environmental justice
Forecasts and trends
Fossil fuels
Green technology
Hydroelectric power
Industrial plant emissions
Metabolism
Paris Agreement
Public policy
Renewable resources
Social aspects
Society
Sustainability
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Summary: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.
ISSN:2071-1050
2071-1050
DOI:10.3390/su15031861