Climate Justice in Biogas Development - Community Voices for a Just Transition in the West of Ireland.

Project Description

The transition to low-carbon energy sources in rural settings presents a complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental considerations. Using the towns of Swinford, Gort, and Ballybofey as case studies, I aim to understand the complexities and challenges in rural areas as they transition away from fossil fuels. Specifically, my study explores how these communities navigate the move to cleaner energy options, such as biogas, and what this development means for local people and their environment. This research project employs the 'Just Transition' as an analytical framework to explore the nuanced challenges and opportunities inherent in this transition. Utilising a multi-scalar and intersectional lens, this research scrutinises various dimensions of justice, including representation in decision-making processes, economic distribution of benefits and burdens, and social inclusivity through processes of recognition and representation. Through a multi-methods approach, the project assembles a comprehensive portrait of grassroots experiences and their policy implications. This involves studying who is making decisions about this transition, who benefits from it, and who might be left behind. By studying these specific communities, my research aims to build broader recommendations that can be applied across different communities undergoing transition. It will delve into the issues of identity and societal values that come into play when a community undergo significant changes. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the dialogue on how rural communities can actively participate in climate action planning, ensuring that the shift to a more sustainable future is both environmentally sound and socially equitable. This study is designed to inform policymakers, academics, and the public, especially those living in rural communities. Given its alignment with national and European carbon emissions targets, this research holds considerable relevance and timeliness for a general academic discourse but also has the potential to inform more effective climate action policy.