Equitable energy transition in Latin America and the Caribbean: Reducing inequity by building capacity

Abstract

The study evaluates links between the unfolding energy transition in Latin America and the Caribbean and sustainable development goals (SDGs) relating to innovation (SDG 9), equality (SDG 10), and institutions (SDG 16). The study argues that if energy technology choices in the region continue to be driven by techno-economic rationality, many demands put upon the energy transition will remain unmet, namely, solving the pre-existing challenges (SDGs 9, 10, and 16). Unequal access – to education, training, and capabilities that could make local livelihoods more resilient, will preclude synergies between the latest renewable energy science, cross-sectoral innovation, and equitable institutions, in the end compromising local and regional potential, creativity and productivity. Additionally, given the unique, biodiversity-rich contexts of Latin America, energy technology choices need to account for context-specific climate and ecological imperatives. For the energy transition to be equitable and climate-compatible, the study concludes that new ways of integrating and acting on inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge need to be conceptualized and implemented in practice. This entails creating an interface between local communities (Indigenous and community knowledge), research community (local and international climate-energy knowledge), and policy-makers (policy knowledge).

The proposed concept of Research & Training Centers (RTCs) fills the gap, as it serves as an umbrella institution for collaborative learning across a spectrum of disciplines, transdisciplinary collaborations, and implementation of specific climate-compatible solutions. RTC's integrative forms of research can be directed to help overcome pre-existing gaps and vulnerabilities, and simultaneously promote equitable energy transition and decarbonization pathways compatible with the region's ecological systems.