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Renewable Energy as a Catalyst for Equity? Integrating Inuit Interests With Nunavik Energy Planning

Author

Listed:
  • Antoine Paquet

    (School of Planning and Regional Development, Laval University, Canada)

  • Geneviève Cloutier

    (School of Planning and Regional Development, Laval University, Canada)

  • Myriam Blais

    (School of Architecture, Laval University)

Abstract

Nunavik’s residents experience significant social and environmental disruptions due to climate change. These disruptions add to the widespread changes that the Inuit have encountered over the last century—changes that have left this community totally dependent on fossil fuels for heat and power. Over time, Nunavik’s residents have taken control of petroleum resources and their distribution, transforming this energy source into a major regional economic asset. Recently, there has been a transition towards renewable energy technologies (RETs) in Nunavik. However, are these alternative sources of energy appealing to local residents? This article explores the potential of RETs through the lens of procedural and substantive equity in the context of Inuit interests and integrated sustainability. Based on informal discussions with Inuit residents, interviews with stakeholders of the energy transition in Nunavik, and a literature analysis, this article presents two main results: (1) The level of substantive equity depends mainly on the type of RET and on idiosyncrasies between communities, and (2) local governance and procedural equity need to be asserted so that RETs can become true catalysts for equity.

Suggested Citation

  • Antoine Paquet & Geneviève Cloutier & Myriam Blais, 2021. "Renewable Energy as a Catalyst for Equity? Integrating Inuit Interests With Nunavik Energy Planning," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 6(4), pages 338-350.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:urbpla:v6:y:2021:i:4:p:338-350
    DOI: 10.17645/up.v6i4.4453
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Genevi�ve Cloutier & Florent Joerin & Catherine Dubois & Martial Labarthe & Christelle Legay & Dominique Viens, 2015. "Planning adaptation based on local actors' knowledge and participation: a climate governance experiment," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(4), pages 458-474, July.
    2. Libby Porter & Lauren Rickards & Blanche Verlie & Karyn Bosomworth & Susie Moloney & Bronwyn Lay & Ben Latham & Isabelle Anguelovski & David Pellow & Libby Porter & Lauren Rickards & Blanche Verlie & , 2020. "Climate Justice in a Climate Changed World," Planning Theory & Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(2), pages 293-321, June.
    3. Sara Meerow & Sierra C. Woodruff, 2020. "Seven Principles of Strong Climate Change Planning," Journal of the American Planning Association, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 86(1), pages 39-46, January.
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    1. Moreno, David & Raymond, Jasmin & Gosselin, Louis, 2024. "Techno-economic analysis of hybrid solar-assisted geothermal and biomass heating systems in remote subarctic communities (Nunavik, Canada)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 313(C).
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