This brief examines energy systems and their supply chains and infrastructure within the broader just transition across economies and society. It does not assume that these developments offer just or sustainable pathways. It also examines fossil projects promoted through ‘transition’ or development claims, consistent with Natural Justice’s opposition to new fossil development.
Affected people need meaningful influence before project sites, concessions, and financing are fixed, rather than consultation limited to managing predetermined impacts. Promises of jobs and revenues cannot displace customary rights or Indigenous Peoples’ right to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC). Nor can compensation replace those rights or access to effective remedy. Hosting infrastructure does not itself guarantee access to the energy it produces.
Environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) protect environmental and related rights through organizing, journalism, legal action, and other forms of advocacy. Their knowledge helps expose risks and enables public scrutiny. Drawing on Natural Justice’s research on women defenders and enabling environments, this brief examines how unequal representation and access to resources constrain their work, alongside unpaid care and gendered intimidation.
Finally, this policy brief provides recommendations to policy makers for achieving human rights-based transition pathways that centre people and justice, and shares policy openings and advocacy opportunities to help secure communities’ and defenders’ power, protection and remedy.
