Earth's average temperature has increased by 1.1°C since the industrial revolution, primarily due to heightened Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. With a global population of 8 billion, there's a pressing need to transition to renewable energy sources to combat climate change. The IPCC recommends a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2100 (IPCC, 2023). In Brazil, climate change disproportionately affects the region due to socio-economic disparities. The "Global Energy Transition" report advocates for shifting to renewable energies and phasing out fossil fuels (Yang, 2024). Climate justice principles—distributive, procedural, and recognition justice—are crucial for fair energy transition policies (Michèlle Bal et al., 2023).
Brazil's Ecological Transformation Plan aims to invest in sustainable development, including renewable energy, to reduce inequalities (Presidência Federativa do Brasil, 2023). Initiatives within Brazil's energy transition plan include increasing biodiesel blends, investing in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and promoting low-carbon technologies (Brazilian Ecological Transition Plan, 2023). The plan aligns with the government's agenda for a low-carbon economy and social justice promotion through "neo-industrialization" (Fernando Haddad).
This study conducted a systematic literature review on fair energy transition in Brazil. Secondary data from scientific articles were gathered through Scopus, Elsevier, and Scielo databases, focusing on keywords: Energy Transition, Just Transition, and Climate Justice. The analysis aimed to understand how climate justice issues are addressed in the energy sector and assess whether Brazil's Ecological Transition Plan incorporates just transition principles effectively.
The literature review revealed a significant gap in studies specifically addressing climate justice in Brazil's energy transition. While discussions on energy transition exist, little attention is paid to the inclusion of vulnerable communities. This gap is reflected in the government's plan, which lacks measures focused on these populations, both in terms of benefits and participation.
The scarcity of research on climate justice in Brazil's energy transition highlights the need for targeted actions to integrate vulnerable communities. The government's plan falls short in addressing this, posing a challenge to achieving an equitable and sustainable energy transition. Prioritizing research and strategies for inclusion is crucial for a just and environmentally responsible energy future.