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This research paper details a social impact assessment of the circular economy (CE) transition in Umeå, Sweden, examining potential negative consequences across seven social impact categories, specifically focusing on employment, access to services, and participation.

This research paper presents preliminary findings from a social impact assessment in Umeå, Sweden, examining how stakeholders perceive the transition to a circular economy (CE). The authors argue that current circular city strategies are overly technocentric and neglect social dimensions, recommending a broader approach that considers job quality, accessibility, and personal and property rights to ensure a socially inclusive transition.

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.

This research paper, authored by Rachel Goldwyn and Jason Switzer, critiques existing impact assessment tools used by the extractive industry—specifically Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Social Impact Assessments (SIA), and political risk analysis—from a conflict-sensitive perspective. It argues that while these tools are standard, they often fail to identify or mitigate the drivers of violent conflict. The authors propose the development of a Conflict-Sensitive Business Practice (CSBP) toolbox to integrate conflict analysis into the project lifecycle, helping companies minimize their contribution to violence and contribute to peacebuilding.