Note to the reader: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Environmental Politics on 15 June 2015, available online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2015.1055887 Global Energy Justice: Problems, Principles, and Practices by Benjaming K. Sovacool Michael H. and Dworkin. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2014. Pp xxii + 377; index. £60 (hardback); £22.99 (paperback) ISBN: 978-1-107-04195-0 and 978-1-10766508-8
Discussions around energy have become increasingly prevalent in the public and political sphere. Debates around fracking versus renewable energy technologies, or growing energy global consumption versus fuel poverty, have brought questions around the spatial and temporal distribution of benefits and burdens associated with the world’s energy system to the fore. Early in their book, Global Energy Justice, the authors describe the results of the literature review they conducted as part of their research. They note that, although energy access and security are one of the central justice issues of our time, as of early 2013, the academic literature had paid surprisingly little attention to questions of justice in relation to energy. The concept of energy justice, however, is quickly gaining more attention. This is evidenced by the publication of at least three other books on the topic since the authors’ initial literature review was conducted. ‘Global Energy Justice’ contributes to this emerging body of literature through linking current data on global energy security and climate change with new perspectives on the meaning of justice. The aim, according to the authors, is to bring justice theory into discussions around energy, in order to help people to make more meaningful
decisions regarding the production, delivery, use and effects of energy. This aim shows three of the book’s key aspects: its analysis of different meanings of justice; how these can be practically applied to achieve improved decision making; and its focus on the energy system as an integrated, sociotechnical system, rather than adopting oft-used binary divisions such as production versus consumption or technology versus behaviour. Their whole-systems approach has left the authors with a formidable task. It is testament to the authors’ skills and understanding of the topic that they have succeeded in transforming an inherently complex system into a comprehensive analysis. In order to structure their analysis they have divided the energy system into eight components, each discussed in a different chapter and in relation to a different theory of justice. Each of these chapters is structured according to the same format: it describes one (problematic) aspect of the current energy system, offers a normative analysis of how things ought to be according to a specific theory of justice, and finishes on a prescriptive note, stating what is to be done in order to change one aspect of our energy system for it to become more ‘just’. All arguments are supported by an impressive range of evidence drawn from examples across the globe. Rather than organising their text in a chronological manner (for instance, from exploration to waste), the authors have identified eight current energy problems. The problems concern both social and technical aspects of the global energy system, ranging from energy externalities to due process and from energy poverty to climate change. Although undoubtedly all important issues, an explanation as to how or why these particular issues were chosen would have been beneficial.
The authors’ discussion of different theories of justice draws, similarly, on a broad range of philosophers, from classical theorists such as Aristotle and Plato to their modern counterparts like Kant and Rawls. This discussion on different approaches to justice provides the concept of energy justice with a depth of theoretical discussion that has thus far been largely absent from the literature. To the reader, this serves as a useful reminder that there is no such thing as a singular concept of justice that can be readily applied to the analysis of energy-related questions. The authors’ interdisciplinary approach is clear throughout the book. They seamlessly weave together technological data on energy sources with philosophical discussions on different notions of justice. They manage to do all this is in a way that makes it accessible to a wide range of audiences. The authors take care to explain key concepts, both in relation to science and philosophy. As little prior knowledge is assumed the book would be highly suitable as a textbook for (interdisciplinary) university courses on energy issues. The structure of the book would allow it to be used in its entirety as a teaching resource, or for its readers to consult one or more specific chapters. Although the interdisciplinary approach and breadth of material the book covers are among its main strengths, they are arguably also a weakness, as the depth of analysis for each energy problem can at times feel slightly limited. The authors recognise at the start of the book that principles of justice can sometimes be in conflict, but due to the ‘one chapter, one justice principle’ approach, these contradictions – and how they might be resolved - are largely left undiscussed, apart from a fairly brief mention in the final chapter. Similarly, suggested solutions can sometimes appear somewhat simplistic. For example, in the chapter on due process the authors suggest that greater participation and
local control of energy sources can contribute to a more just system. Although, as the authors show, there certainly is evidence for their argument that local participation can be valuable, their discussion overlooks questions that have been raised elsewhere in the literature on community participation and ownership of resources regarding issues of access and power, and the emergence of new sites of responsibilities as well as rights. Nonetheless, despite these minor criticisms, the book’s breadth means it is a very valuable resource to introduce readers to the concept of energy justice. As such it is a welcome and important contribution that can expand the scope and reach of this emerging field.
BREGJE VAN VEELEN University of Edinburgh, School of Geosciences Drummond Library, Surgeon’s Square, Drummond Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9XP
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