How serious are ethical considerations in energy system decarbonization?

Abstract

While various literatures have agreed that decarbonization is necessary for the planet’s long-term sustainability , there have been emerging debates on the need for a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy. This article reviews current literature on the debates surrounding ethical dimensions of decarbonization, including challenges of distributive justice, intergenerational equality, and environmental justice. Furthermore, we presented how recent literature has analyzed the ethical implications of renewable energy, nuclear power, and carbon capture and storage . Our review demonstrates an increasing consensus regarding the significance of incorporating ethical considerations into decarbonization policies. It underscores the ongoing debates regarding the best compromise between rapid climate action and social equity. This review emphasizes the opportunity for more equitable and sustainable approaches to energy transitions, calling for further interdisciplinary research in this evolving field. • Decarbonization raises concerns: affordability, job displacement, global cooperation, and fair distribution of costs/benefits. • Distributive justice, intergenerational equality, and environmental justice are key considerations in decarbonization. • Ethical frameworks like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics offer distinct perspectives on decarbonization.