Tallgrass Institute Discusses Energy Transition Impacts at Johns Hopkins International Studies School
Tallgrass Institute’s Kate Finn appeared on the panel Green at What Cost? Human Rights and the Energy Transition. Presented February 24, by Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, the discussion examined impacts on Indigenous Peoples from “green” economic development and specifically the transition to renewable energy and energy transition technologies.
Finn discussed the importance of self-determination, or “the right for Indigenous peoples to freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural priorities,” and that human rights, a just energy transition, and business practices can work in tandem for a more sustainable future.
“What we need is to continue at a measured pace with accountability to human rights, and in that way, we can solve for climate change together in a way that creates a better planet for all of us,” she said. This requires “respect for free, prior and informed consent, respect for Indigenous Peoples and building [...] human rights into business operations.”
Featuring Maria Lettini, CEO of the US Sustainable Investment Forum, Emily Greenspan, co-lead for the Natural Resource Justice Global Program at Oxfam America, and SAIS adjunct professor Nina Gardner, the panel also looked at how the push for increased development impacts communities in resource-rich areas, the requirement of free, prior and informed consent in dealmaking with Indigenous Peoples, and businesses’ responsibility and economic impetus to commit to an equitable, rights-centered transition.