Paper short abstract:

Proposing a climate justice analytical framework, this paper critically analyses Spanish aid-supported energy transition projects in Latin America.

Paper long abstract:

The historical marginalization of indigenous populations in Latin America is exacerbated by environmental degradation, and also by often unjust development initiatives. Against this backdrop, this study conducted a critical analysis of Spanish aid-supported projects, with a focus on identifying the presence (or absence) of essential climate justice indicators. The research methodology entails a comprehensive desk review employing a content analysis of selected (13) energy projects in Latin America. Our proposed climate justice framework includes four categories: (i) acknowledgment of historical injustices, (ii) inclusion and participation of vulnerable [indigenous] communities, (iii) capacity-building opportunities, and (iv) job creation for indigenous people. The findings highlight the lack of transformative nature of the analyzed projects: over half of the projects demonstrated positive outcomes in one category only, with only a single project scoring positively in all four categories. The inclusion and participation of indigenous groups were observed in less than half of the projects, while most projects provided capacity-building opportunities. This research adds to a critical perspective in examining aid projects by suggesting a decolonial and just transition perspective.