A just energy transition in light of the Catholic Social Teaching and key challenges: energy poverty and neo-extractivism

Abstract

The Just Energy Transition (JET) is analysed from the perspective of the Catholic Social Teaching (CST), with particular emphasis on Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum. It is argued that a genuine JET must address crucial challenges, such as energy poverty—the lack of access to adequate and affordable energy services—and neo-extractivism, which involves the intensive exploitation of natural resources, including minerals needed for renewable technologies, thereby perpetuating socio-environmental injustices. Based on principles such as human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor, JET must involve the progressive and immediate abandonment of fossil fuels, slowing down production and consumption, protecting the most vulnerable, and engaging local communities. Concrete criteria are provided to achieve a JET, assuming an integral ecological conversion through education, the adoption of sustainable lifestyles, and divestment from fossil fuels and mining