JOURNAL: Community-based research supports more just and equitable industrial decarbonisation
Summary
Authors:
Jessica Smith
Jennifer Hirsch
Kirk Jalbert
Lauren Keeler
Katie Oconnell
Daryl-Lynn Roberts
Benjamin Sovacool
Colorado School of Mines
Georgia Institute of Technology
University at Buffalo
Arizona State University
Visage Energy
Boston University
Community-based research supports more just and equitable industrial decarbonisation
Nature communications
September 2025
This paper examines how involving communities directly in research can make industrial decarbonisation fairer and more equitable. Drawing on practical experience of supporting communities considering developer-led projects, the study shows how community-based research can move vague expectations of “engagement” towards clearer, more inclusive processes. By centring local perspectives, this paper demonstrates how industrial decarbonisation projects can be designed to genuinely support the communities that choose to host them.
Associated Research
IDRIC – MIP 2.4 Just transitions for industrial decarbonisation in the UK