The Quest for Cosmopolitan Justice in the Energy Transition in Caribbean Small Island Developing States

Abstract

The challenges we face now with climate change are universal and are inextricably linked to the call for cosmopolitan justice in the energy transition to renewables. The theory of cosmopolitan justice is based on the outlook that we are all citizens of the world and our moral obligations do not just halt at our borders but extend beyond. As oil-dependent Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) attempt to make the change to renewables they grapple with their umbilical dependence on the oil and gas economy. In some, it has been their sole source of revenue to fund national development and economic independence. In others, newfound discoveries of oil have occurred just as the world is weaning itself from fossil fuels, providing them with the economic-climate justice dilemma. This concept of cosmopolitan justice is therefore a two-edged sword for Caribbean SIDS. On one end, it serves as a benefit as their climate change vulnerabilities are now starkly recognised with funding being channelled into mitigation, adaptation and as we look towards COP28, loss and damage funding. In contrast, net zero emission targets and the shift to renewables prove difficult due to the sole economic dependence placed on this industry. The careful balance of abiding by their international commitments to reduce emissions and incorporating renewables into their economies is at the heart of the new social contract which is also based on future accountability.

1 Introduction

It is no secret that Caribbean SIDS (‘SIDS’) are experiencing the realities of climate change based on their location, geographical nature, limited economic base and dependency on natural resources.¹ They have contributed least to the problem but this does not negate their need to commit to global decarbonisation and the shift towards renewables. When the energy justice lens is applied to the energy transition, it compliments “… society’s aim to achieve its environmental and climate change goals”.² While the various forms of energy justice are present as oil-dependent SIDS make the shift to renewable energy (‘RE’), the focus of this chapter will be to apply the lens of cosmopolitan justice. This form of justice suggests that we have a wider responsibility to ensure the well-being of not just ourselves but everyone else.

My focus on this form of justice was chosen particularly since humanity was urged to cooperate or perish³ in November 2022 and again in March 2023⁴ when a climate change time bomb was declared by the UN. Section Two examines the historical economic challenge of dependency SIDs have towards the oil and gas industry and the progress some SIDS have made thus far in making the change to renewables. In Section Three, by highlighting the need for cosmopolitan justice in these societies, if they are to collectively strengthen their capacity towards the transition as well as a brief mention of the key policies they have in place. Finally, in my conclusion, I note that though SIDS are making climate change efforts as their commitment to cosmopolitan justice, more can be done swiftly at the policy level to introduce renewables, especially in light of the obvious climate change catastrophes they face.

2 The Challenge in the Shift Towards Renewable Energy

Is it a blessing to be oil rich or a curse? This is now the quandary some SIDS face as they must now balance equity and justice with economic well-being while developing their natural resources amidst the push to switch to renewables.⁵ For instance, the historical economic reliance on the oil and gas industry is deeply rooted in the development of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), a country which has been involved in the petroleum sector for over 100 years. As one of the largest oil and natural gas producers in the Caribbean, the energy sector accounts for around 34.9% of the country’s GDP and contributes significantly to Government’s revenue.⁶

Hence, while Trinidad and Tobago is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, and is committed to a 15% reduction of emissions by 2030 whereby they have started some RE projects,⁷ concerns still exist that they continue to be umbilically attached to the oil and gas sector.⁸ Further, in contrast to Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname (G&S) have emerged as potential new oil powers with lucrative recent discoveries⁹ just when the world is trying to shift away from fossil fuels. To manage this dilemma as a tool to economic development, G&S both possess relatively untouched forests which they intend to use for carbon credits and carbon sinks.¹⁰

3 The Importance and the Role of Cosmopolitan Justice and the Policies of Small Island Developing States

At the very crux of cosmopolitan justice is that “… our duties to others do not cease at borders”.¹¹ A view epitomised by the Chair of a Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Energy,¹² urging that the attainment of these (RE) milestones can only happen if we are resilient collectively, not separately. Of course, the same concept applies to net zero emission target commitments at the global stage which can be found in their Nationally Determined Contributions.¹³ Further, despite the slow distribution of climate finance aid, SIDS stamped their commitment, through agreements¹⁴ and the creation of centres to name a few.¹⁵ In essence these are linked to the concepts of applying energy justice through a new social contract and future proofing. At the heart of these three concepts are delivering just outcomes through improved accountability,¹⁶ especially for possible future effects.

4 Conclusion and the Way Forward

While SIDS have contributed to climate change efforts by attempting to meet their obligations under the UNFCCC, arguably, more can be done swiftly at the policy level while balancing energy security through the full commitment and introduction of renewables. Furthermore, SIDS are indeed aptly placed to theoretically shift to or incorporate a complete renewable energy mix, whether it be solar, water or wind given their geographical location, but these are currently underexploited. Overall, there continues to be a dependency on a diminishing resource for so much of economic growth and livelihood which beckons a change in focus, especially when the future of these countries is at stake from this reliance.

Now, in essence, while the issues facing SIDS around the world are global challenges and deemed ‘our collective responsibility’,¹⁷ the acceptance of this collective responsibility is also needed at the national levels of SIDS, as part of this push to cosmopolitan justice. This collective responsibility indeed heralds all SIDS doing their part as SIDS, and not just placing dependence on developed nations solely to do theirs. Cosmopolitan energy justice accountability is indeed needed, even at the SIDS level. While the establishment of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre in 2002,¹⁸ the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREE)¹⁹ in 2018 and the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda in 2009,²⁰ epitomise or manifest the functioning and push of cosmopolitan justice in SIDS, many appear divided on the commitment.

It appears that the full commitment to renewable energy is still being balanced with the need for fossil fuel to be used in adaptation and mitigation efforts.²¹ Sadly, among Caribbean SIDS, the general consensus is that Caribbean countries should be allowed to produce these resources because they have long practised environmental stewardship,²² in comparison with developed nations. Energy policies change societies and this fundamentally should be based on a cosmopolitan energy justice perspective of collective responsibility and accountability even at the SIDS level. The hope remains, that this global perspective will be captured or infused with collective accountability soon in SIDS.