Towards a Fair Renewable Energy Transition for Indigenous People in Chile

The production of renewable energy and use of alternative resources, such as lithium, is crucial for northern decarbonization strategies. The increasing demand for lithium is driven by its energy storage capacity, light weight and efficient life cycle of lithium batteries. However, this vital resource, along with others, is predominantly located in the Global South, with South America alone containing half of the world’s lithium supply. This geographical distribution leads to serious consequences for environmental justice. Thus, often overshadowing the interests of vulnerable groups, such as Indigenous people, through the unfair exploitation of natural resources and human rights violations.

As part of its international commitments, Chile has adopted a global leading role in clean energy, placing it as a world leader in renewable energy technologies. The country has implemented the “Energy 2050” and “Energy Agenda 2022-2026" plans to guide short- and medium-term actions for a consistent energy transition. Additionally, the government has launched the National Lithium Strategy to promote sustainable industries, economic growth and address socio-environmental issues. Despite this, Indigenous people continue to oppose projects near their territories, citing more negative direct impacts than benefits.

Chile is a significant case study due to the country’s expansion of both non-conventional energy source production and exploitation of lithium in order to simultaneously address climate change, align with Global North strategies and offset the costs of a green transition. It is also significant to understand the current situation of the Indigenous people in the country and the government’s lack of action in protecting and respecting their rights. Dr. Uribe’s project will seek to address the effects of the implementation of the most recent governmental strategies on renewable energy and the exploitation of lithium in Chile to help prevent human rights abuse. In Partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Chile, Dr. Uribe will identify the extent to which public policy implementation regarding renewable energy considers human rights protection, how companies align to the new policy and various views from Indigenous people. Her project aims to evaluate the strategies to devise an energy transition that will uphold equality for the most vulnerable.

This research will advance our inclusion of human rights in policy design and implementation in Chile, enabling policymakers to develop green strategies in accordance with environmental impact assessments on vulnerable communities and in consideration of human rights abuses. Through this analysis of the energy policy of a Global South country, it will also address a wider issue that renewable energy will face in other regions of the world. This project will have a significant impact given its empirical analysis of the effects of the energy transition on Indigenous people. It will also provide insights on how both the government and the business sector can better protect and respect the foundations of an equitable and inclusive transition to green strategies.

Towards a Fair Renewable Energy Transition for Indigenous People in Chile

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