The Rise of Restorative Justice in the Energy Sector

This chapter delves into the emerging concept of restorative justice principles, in the context of global energy transition and ecosystem restoration programs. Beginning with the theoretical groundwork laid in Chapter  2 , the focus here is on the practical application of restorative justice in national and international programmes. The Justice40 initiative, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration, and South Africa's Just Transition Framework are among the national energy transition programmes with an explicit reference to restorative justice in their policy frameworks to identify disadvantaged communities and rectify historical inequalities. Globally, examples like the EU's Just Transition Mechanism and Canada's Task Force demonstrate the increasing integration of restorative justice principles in energy transition programs. On the other hand, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration showcases the potential to integrate restorative justice principles into policies governing ecosystem restoration. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is emphasised as a pivotal initiative aligning with restorative justice principles, emphasising inclusive governance and consideration of ecological, cultural, and socio-economic contexts. While highlighting community engagement and financial incentives in flagship projects, a notable gap persists in addressing offenders (i.e., polluters and those causing other environmental impacts) in the restoration process, revealing an area for further consideration in the pursuit of comprehensive energy justice.