ENERGY JUSTICE FOR AN EQUITABLE FUTURE: THE IMPACTS OF DECARBONIZATION ON TRADITIONAL COMMUNITIES

Resumo

This work aims to analyze the impacts of decarbonization from the perspective of energy justice, focusing on traditional communities in Seridó, a region located in the hinterland of Rio Grande do Norte. The research seeks to understand how the lowcarbon energy transition can accentuate social inequalities when it does not incorporate principles of equity and community participation. The methodology adopted was a qualitative approach, with a literature review on energy transitions and distributive and procedural justice, in addition to conducting a questionnaire with the members of the socio-environmental institution SeridóVivo, who fight for fair access to energy and suffer the negative impacts of energy inequality. The instrument was answered by 15 participants, allowing the identification of perceptions about the impacts of the expansion of wind and photovoltaic projects in the region. The results point to significant socio-environmental vulnerabilities, such as deforestation of the Caatinga, loss of territorial autonomy, and lack of prior consultation with communities, as provided for in ILO Convention 169. It was found that the decision-making processes related to the implementation of renewable energy projects lack participatory mechanisms and equitable distribution of benefits. It is concluded that energy justice should be considered as a structuring axis of the energy transition, integrating social, environmental and political dimensions to ensure a truly equitable and sustainable future.