The Renewable Energy Transition and "the People"

Valquaresma, Andreia; Batel, Susana; Afonso, Ana Isabel; Guerra, Rita; Silva, Luís

http://hdl.handle.net/10362/168747

Utilize este identificador para referenciar este registo.

Contacte-nos

Autores

Resumo(s)

Local contestation to the deployment of large-scale renewable energy infrastructures has been increasing. Right-wing populism has also been on the rise across the world. This article aims to explore the potential relations between these two socio-political issues, by analyzing Portuguese media discourses on the renewable energy transition and if and how those expose associations with right-wing populist rhetoric. 465 articles published by Portuguese newspapers were analyzed through Thematic Analysis, which revealed three main themes: Portugal at the forefront of the green transition; the dark side of the transition; and, less pervasively, energy justice as crucial for a green transition. These themes and how they are discursively organized resonate with far-right wing populist rhetoric, such as nationalist, anti-elitist and anti-establishment views. This might find echo in rural communities affected by the green energy transition feelings of marginalization.