Climate Justice Concerns and Human Rights Trade-Offs in Ethiopia's Green Economy Transition: The Case of Gibe III

Citation

Schapper A (2021) Climate Justice Concerns and Human Rights Trade-Offs in Ethiopia's Green Economy Transition: The Case of Gibe III. European Journal of Development Research, 33 (6), pp. 1952-1972. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-020-00340-6

Abstract
In this research article, I emphasize the meaning of procedural rights for just transition to Green Economy. I argue that different justice arguments play a role in the context of Green Economy policies but can be traded-off against one another. Whereas intergenerational and international injustice can be diminished by zero-carbon policies, Green Economy transition processes can exacerbate already existing intrasocietal injustices. This is even more the case if vulnerable societal groups cannot participate and are not adequately represented in repressive political systems. In such cases, installing procedural justice mechanisms and comprehensively considering different justice concerns in Green Economy policies can lead to more sustainable outcomes. My empirical analysis focuses on Ethiopia as a case study placing an emphasis on the hydroelectric Gibe III dam. Empirically, it is based on a content analysis of policy documents and field research comprising expert interviews with governmental representatives, international organizations and civil society.

Keywords
Green economy; Climate justice; Human rights; Procedural justice; Hydroelectric dams; Ethiopia

Journal
European Journal of Development Research: Volume 33, Issue 6

People

Professor Andrea Schapper

Professor, Politics