Just Transition in the Arctic context: introduction

Achieving climate goals is impossible without significant transformation of our energy systems in the way that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and increases the share of low-carbon energy in the form of renewables and other options, such as nuclear energy. While it is often assumed that the energy transition process is environment and community-friendly, there is a growing number of examples of energy transition projects that led to injustice and environmental harm. The Arctic is now the exception – October 2023 saw protests in Oslo, demonstrating against Government’s inaction over Europe’s largest onshore windfarm, located in the Fosen region in Norway, violating the rights of the Sami indigenous people.Footnote1 Two years ago, the Supreme Court of Norway ruled that the project violated article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as the ‘wind power development will have a substantive negative effect on the reindeer herders’ possibility to enjoy their own culture on Fosen’.Footnote2 Despite this landmark decision, the turbines are still operating and there has been no effective remedy.