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Community-based research supports more just and equitable industrial decarbonization

Author

Listed:
  • Jessica Smith

    (Colorado School of Mines)

  • Jennifer Hirsch

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Kirk Jalbert

    (University at Buffalo)

  • Lauren Keeler

    (Arizona State University)

  • Katie OConnell

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Daryl-Lynn Roberts

    (Visage Energy)

  • Benjamin Sovacool

    (Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability)

Abstract

Industrial decarbonization refers to the removal or reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, process emissions, or embodied carbon from industry. Building from our experiences working with communities contemplating industrial decarbonization projects, we argue that community-based research can move nebulous calls for “community engagement” to processes that emphasize just and equitable governance. We first summarize the co-benefits and risks of industrial decarbonization for historically marginalized communities. We then draw from our own experiences working on community benefit plans for developer-led projects to show how community-based research can help ensure that industrial decarbonization projects benefit the communities that choose to host them.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Smith & Jennifer Hirsch & Kirk Jalbert & Lauren Keeler & Katie OConnell & Daryl-Lynn Roberts & Benjamin Sovacool, 2025. "Community-based research supports more just and equitable industrial decarbonization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63569-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63569-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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