Search Climate Insights Directory

A statement by Natural Justice arguing that African nations must accelerate their transition to sovereign renewable energy systems to avoid the economic instability and foreign control caused by global conflicts and fossil fuel dependency.

This guide outlines the Renewables Investment for Social Equity (RISE) model, which enables tax-exempt entities to use the IRS 'direct pay' (elective pay) mechanism to deliver affordable solar energy to low- and moderate-income (LMI) households. The model allows tax-exempt organizations to own solar systems, install them at low or no upfront cost for residents, and recover costs via the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

This research paper examines the relationship between the concept of Social License to Operate (SLO), originally from the extractive industry, and Social Acceptance (SA) within the context of renewable energy and the energy transition.

Natural Justice submitted a critique of South Africa's Integrated Resource Plan 2023 (IRP2023), arguing that it lacks the necessary foundations for energy planning through 2030. The organization calls for a redraft of the IRP2023 and the urgent development of an Integrated Energy Plan by the DMRE, both of which should be grounded in a people-centered approach and a comprehensive Energy Justice Framework.

This research paper analyzes the evolving energy relations between Germany and Africa, noting a shift from traditional development cooperation toward a broader approach combining energy diplomacy, foreign policy, and technical cooperation. The author highlights a tension between Germany's commitment to a 'just transition' and its strategic interests in securing both renewable energy (particularly green hydrogen) and fossil fuel imports to ensure energy security.

This research paper examines the evolution of German-African energy relations, tracing the shift from a primary focus on development cooperation and energy poverty to a more complex framework involving energy diplomacy, technology-driven cooperation, and strategic geopolitical interests. The author analyzes the tensions between 'green' and 'fossilist' objectives, the risks associated with the roll-out of hydrogen diplomacy, and the trend toward the financialization of development through multi-stakeholder partnerships.

This policy brief from the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the equity implications of emerging 'anti-fossil fuel norms' in international climate governance. It argues that while simple moral norms—such as phasing out coal, oil, gas, and subsidies—are effective for political mobilization, they often overlook the distributional impacts on marginalized communities and low-income countries in the Global South. The authors recommend using 'norm clusters' that pair phase-out goals with financial support, technology transfer, and a recognition of the different capacities of the Global North and Global South to transition.

This briefing discusses how hybrid clean energy systems—combining local renewable resources like solar with baseload resources like geothermal—can address energy and climate injustices in marginalized communities. It highlights the disproportionate impact of extreme heat and aging gas infrastructure on low-income communities of color and evaluates policy interventions and technical models, such as a geothermal pilot in Massachusetts, to improve energy security and resilience.

This policy brief by RMI argues that the current design of the residential solar investment tax credit (ITC 25D) creates inequities by benefiting high-income and White residents while excluding low-and moderate-income (LMI) households who lack sufficient federal tax liability. RMI advocates for Congress to transition ITC 25D to a 'direct pay' model, similar to proposed provisions for business- and utility-scale renewables, to lower upfront costs, reduce energy burdens, and stimulate job growth in LMI communities.

This case study examines Mexico's efforts to integrate energy justice into its renewable energy expansion. While the country has rapidly increased solar and wind capacity and implemented new social impact assessment (SIA) and consultation laws between 2013 and 2018, significant implementation gaps remain. Social conflicts, often stemming from inadequate consultation with Indigenous and local communities, have delayed numerous energy projects and highlighted tensions between ambitious climate targets and the protection of community rights.