Deploying Energy Justice for a Meaningful Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in Energy Decision-Making

The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues’ assessment of the rights of indigenous peoples within the global energy mix found that First Nations peoples are negatively impacted by the energy transition value chain on a variety of levels, including their access to lands and resources, their right to participate in decision-making processes, and their ability to maintain cultural practices. According to experts, 69% of the lands used for energy transition mining projects are situated on or close to the territory of indigenous people. They live in rural and remote areas where 84% of people do not have access to electricity. Consequently, indigenous peoples are drastically subject to energy poverty, among the other injustices they face. The confluence of these facts prompts consideration of the function that the procedural justice and recognition justice framework can play in resolving, minimising, and addressing the grievances of indigenous people. From the analysis of Community-Based Renewable Energy Systems (CBRES) and co-equity mechanisms examples, the article argues the necessity to build stronger connection with minorities, especially First Nations to achieve a just and equitable transition.