Energy Justice as Epistemic Justice

TitleEnergy Justice as Epistemic Justice
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsValkenburg, G
JournalEthics, Policy & Environment
Issueonline first
Date Published10/2024
Keywordsenergy justice, epistemic justice, epistemic work
Abstract

Energy justice is often conceived of as consisting of distributive, procedural, and recognitional justice. This article adds epistemic justice, which engages with the question of how the exchange of knowledge can be shaped fairly. Energy issues ramify across social worlds, connecting to multiple knowledge systems. The conventional elements of energy justice place specific demands on how different knowledge systems must be accommodated. Epistemic work must be done to bridge epistemological differences and pay due respect to different forms of knowledge. Energy justice should not neglect this epistemic work, and it cannot be assumed that it is sufficient to invite stakeholders to the discussion arena. I argue that fair ways of dealing with knowledge and fair opportunities for citizens to contribute knowledge to energy affairs are crucial to achieving energy justice of any general form. Also, this epistemic justice is not to be seen as yet another pillar of energy justice but a concern that runs through all pillars of energy justice.

DOI10.1080/21550085.2024.2418789
Refereed DesignationRefereed