Editor’s choice
This article explores how renewable energy projects impact gender and social equity, positing that the “greening” of energy systems does not necessarily make them any fairer or more inclusive. The authors examine how such projects often fail to tackle structural inequalities and how power asymmetries related to access and resource distribution might be better addressed.
Transitions to low-carbon energy systems are essential to meeting global commitments to climate change mitigation. Yet “greening” energy systems may not make them any fairer, inclusive or just. This paper reviews the academic literature to understand the state of knowledge on how diffusion of low-carbon technologies impacts gender and social equity in intersectional ways.
The authors’ findings indicate that renewable energy projects alone cannot achieve gender and social equity, as energy interventions do not automatically tackle the structural dynamics embedded within socio-cultural and socio-economic contexts. If existing power asymmetries related to access and resource distribution are not addressed early on, the same structural inequalities will simply be replicated and transferred over into new energy regimes.
Past event / This recorded webinar covers the topic social equity in the context of improving environmental policy in Europe.
Project / AgroMixNorth offers springboards for resilient cropping systems that provide nutritious food and income to farmers while increasing below-ground carbon storage.
Project / SEI is supporting community-led adaptation and mitigation actions in Colombia, through a partnership with the IUCN.
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