From vulnerability to resilience: Empowering stakeholder-driven just transitions in island tourism economies

Abstract

Achieving a just transition is essential for addressing the climate emergency, particularly in tourism-dependent island economies that face unique vulnerabilities such as environmental pressures, small-scale electricity networks, and heavy reliance on tourism. This study investigates how political dynamics, economic dependencies, and equity concerns influence stakeholder perceptions in tourism-dependent island economies, offering guidance for governance frameworks aimed at sustainable and inclusive outcomes. Framed within the concept of “just transition,” it addresses the multi-sectoral challenges of energy transitions, climate resilience, and sustainability, integrating environmental, social, and economic justice across key sectors like transportation, water management, and tourism. To explore this, we use a mixed-methods approach, engaging 36 stakeholders from various sectors to explore essential elements for a fair transition, including access to information, stakeholder engagement, transparency, and governance. Our findings using Q methodology reveal a range of views influenced by political contexts, from skepticism about policy effectiveness to debates on energy management strategies. The analysis suggests that framing transition issues in a way that prioritizes collaborative problem-solving over ideological divides can reduce polarization, enhance focus on shared goals, and improve perceptions of fairness and inclusiveness making discussions more pragmatic and solution-oriented. To effectively address the social and environmental challenges faced by island regions, policymakers must develop inclusive frameworks that integrate transparent policy evaluation, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptive governance.