Just Transitions in Extractive Territories

The energy transition will have profound impacts on extractive territories—those that currently produce fossil-based fuel minerals and those that will be transformed by production of the critical minerals and materials necessary for clean energy production. To fossil-fuel extraction regions, the energy transition may result in collapse of existing social and fiscal systems. Energy justice demands recognition of these harms, restoration of past environmental damage and underinvestment, and fair procedures to allow full participation and autonomy within a transformed and decarbonized energy and economic system. This must commence with restorative justice efforts that a mutualized with local priorities and are not conditioned on acceptance of new risks. Assuring fulfillment of the existing social contract in areas of fossil-based fuel and energy production is tantamount to a just transition and to building social license in emerging areas of resource production.