Earth Day: REDESCA calls for a fair energy transition for a sustainable future

April 22, 2024

Washington, D.C. – On International Mother Earth Day, the Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) urges States to take measures for a fair and responsible energy transition that addresses and rectifies the structural inequalities faced by vulnerable groups amidst the climate emergency.

In its 2024-2026 Work Plan, "A Hemispheric Agenda for ESCER", the Special Rapporteurship has recognized climate change and environmental protection as one of the most urgent challenges facing the region. It highlights the necessity of implementing immediate and concrete actions for a fair and responsible energy transition. This priority aligns with the IACHR's 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and the mandates aimed at building a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future, which were agreed upon in June 2022 during the IX Summit of the Americas.

REDESCA has progressed in addressing this challenge through the adoption of IACHR Resolution 3/2021 on the Climate Emergency. In this context, it has prompted States to adopt and implement policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to reflect the highest possible ambition, promote climate resilience, and ensure that public and private investments are consistent with low-carbon, climate-resilient development. Furthermore, in the report on Business and Human Rights, REDESCA and the IACHR have stated that States should ensure that businesses aim to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, avoid excessive emissions, and publish accessible information about their related actions. Specifically, States should demand, within their regulatory roles, the disclosure of information about greenhouse gas emissions, emission reduction plans, and other adopted measures.

A hasty energy transition policy implemented without community involvement, broad social dialogue, or proper assessment of environmental and socioeconomic impacts can violate human rights. This has been evident in contexts where energy grids were being replaced, like in some instances of wind park installations. Moreover, the extraction of essential minerals for the transition to clean energies has triggered various human rights impacts in several countries across the region.

The Americas continue to play a crucial role in the extraction and processing of these minerals. However, it is vital that this energy transition does not repeat the errors of the carbon-based economy. Managing the extraction of critical minerals responsibly and ensuring human rights are respected is essential.

REDESCA emphasizes that to implement proper energy transition policies, States must protect and uphold the rights of communities potentially affected by the replacement of energy grids and the extraction and processing of essential transition minerals, aiming to reduce gender and generational gaps from an intersectional perspective and ensuring no one is left behind on the path to a carbon-free future.

To progress towards an effective energy transition, it is essential to reform economic and fiscal systems. The progressive elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, coupled with the imposition of taxes on these, can significantly reduce carbon emissions and encourage investment in cleaner, renewable technologies. At the same time, this approach must integrate principles of social justice and climate justice, ensuring that low-income communities are not disproportionately harmed by these changes and that the benefits of environmental policies are shared equitably.

REDESCA suggests that a just transition could be seen as an opportunity for regional economic development. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, Latin America and the Caribbean could save up to $621 billion annually if the energy and transport sectors achieve emission neutrality by 2050. Similarly, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) estimate that moving towards energy sustainability could create over a million jobs by 2030.

The Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Rights is an office established by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to strengthen the promotion and protection of these rights across the Americas, leading the Commission's efforts in this field.

No. RD076/24

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