The impact of the energy transition on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities

The European Union (EU) and its Member States have taken on a central role in supporting mid- and low-income countries as they address the challenge of climate change mitigation by, for example, facilitating technical and financial support for large-scale renewable energy projects as well as new (critical) raw material supply chains. In recent years, the EU has put in place various strategies, initiatives and policies that support energy transition and are seen as mutually beneficial for both the EU and third countries. This paper critically examines the challenges and opportunities of such cooperation mechanisms, focussing particularly on how Indigenous Peoples and local communities are impacted in mid- and low-income countries. Four case studies (two on critical raw materials, one on green hydrogen and another on the use of international carbon credits under the newly proposed 2040 EU climate target) develop these challenges and opportunities across socio-environmental, socio-economic and socio-political dimensions. The associated empirical analysis helps inform the formulation of actionable policy recommendations for the EU.