India must account for human costs of energy transition, prioritise social justice

Context: India's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070, as declared at COP26, highlights the need for large-scale investments in renewable energy infrastructure. However, the transition to decarbonisation raises concerns about its socio-economic impact, particularly on marginalized communities.

The Disbenefits of Solar Energy

• Inequitable Land Acquisition: The establishment of solar parks often involves acquiring large tracts of land from rural communities, leading to displacement and loss of livelihoods. Existing laws like the Land Acquisition Act 2013 are inadequately enforced, leaving affected communities vulnerable to exploitation.
• Double Marginalisation: Marginalized groups, including women, lower-caste individuals, and landless laborers, bear the brunt of land acquisition for solar projects. Women, in particular, face job losses and increased vulnerability due to changes in traditional roles and inadequate safety measures.
• Unfulfilled Promises: Despite promises of benefits such as free electricity and job opportunities, communities impacted by solar projects often find these commitments unmet. Lack of accountability and legal recourse further exacerbates their plight.

Overlooked Human and Biodiversity Externalities

• Water Scarcity: Solar projects in drought-prone areas exacerbate water scarcity issues, with inadequate planning for water use and environmental impact assessments exempting solar farms from scrutiny.
• Biodiversity Impact: Large-scale solar installations disrupt regional biodiversity, leading to declines in pollinator populations and crop yields. Policy exemptions and ambiguities exacerbate these environmental concerns.
• Social Justice and Governance:Strengthening laws and regulations to enforce accountability enhance community participation, and monitor project outcomes is essential to address the human and environmental costs of energy transition.

Harnessing Energy Justice for Holistic Decarbonization Policies

• Socially Equitable Transitions: Policymakers must prioritize social justice in decarbonization efforts, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits and mitigation of adverse impacts on marginalized communities.
• Improved Governance: Strengthening laws and regulations to enforce accountability, enhance community participation, and monitor project outcomes is essential to address the human and environmental costs of energy transition.
• Inclusive Decision-making: Local communities should be actively involved in decision-making processes concerning the use of their land and resources, promoting transparency and accountability in sustainable energy projects.