Paper short abstract:

Empowering underrepresented groups and enabling approaches to public participation are vital for just energy transition. In Amsterdam New-West, we show that enabling and capabilities approaches are needed to address procedural, recognition, and restorative justice alongside distributive justice

Paper long abstract:

This research seeks to delve into the nuanced challenges surrounding justice and inclusion within the energy transition context. By giving a voice to underrepresented groups, our research has the potential to unravel diverse perspectives and experiences which in turn can shape both science and policy practices and inform more inclusive and equitable strategies for the energy transition in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. This research explores the following question: How can the inclusion of residents with migration backgrounds in public participation contribute to a just energy transition in Amsterdam?

The active involvement of residents with migration backgrounds in public participation is vital for a truly just energy transition in Amsterdam New-West. While a distributive justice focus has prevailed, our findings highlight its insufficiency in addressing procedural and recognition injustices. The absence of justice in terms of recognition, coupled with the inadequacy of restorative justice, serves as significant barriers hindering people's capacity and willingness to engage in the energy transition. Instances of racism, Islamophobia, and public scandals, such as the childcare benefit scandal, further contribute to a pervasive lack of trust in public authorities and institutions. Historical encounters with tokenistic and extractive practices in participation within policy and scientific realms also result in participation fatigue and a fundamental erosion of trust. To achieve a genuinely just energy transition, enabling and capabilities approaches are needed to address procedural, recognition, and restorative aspects alongside distributive justice. This involves fostering community-led projects, adopting participatory approaches for capacity building, dismantling systemic barriers, acknowledging the political nature of challenges.