Work

From vulnerability to resilience: Empowering stakeholder-driven just transitions in island tourism economies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Achieving a just transition is essential for addressing the climate emergency, particularly in tourism-dependent island economies that face unique vulnerabilities such as environmental pressures, small-scale electricity networks, and heavy reliance on tourism. This study investigates how political dynamics, economic dependencies, and equity concerns influence stakeholder perceptions in tourism-dependent island economies, offering guidance for governance frameworks aimed at sustainable and inclusive outcomes. Framed within the concept of “just transition,” it addresses the multi-sectoral challenges of energy transitions, climate resilience, and sustainability, integrating environmental, social, and economic justice across key sectors like transportation, water management, and tourism. To explore this, we use a mixed-methods approach, engaging 36 stakeholders from various sectors to explore essential elements for a fair transition, including access to information, stakeholder engagement, transparency, and governance. Our findings using Q methodology reveal a range of views influenced by political contexts, from skepticism about policy effectiveness to debates on energy management strategies. The analysis suggests that framing transition issues in a way that prioritizes collaborative problem-solving over ideological divides can reduce polarization, enhance focus on shared goals, and improve perceptions of fairness and inclusiveness making discussions more pragmatic and solution-oriented. To effectively address the social and environmental challenges faced by island regions, policymakers must develop inclusive frameworks that integrate transparent policy evaluation, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptive governance.

Source: Energy Research & Social Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2025.103966

Authors: Ivelina Mirkova, Noemi Padrón-Fumero

Institution: Universidad de La Laguna

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Development and Policies

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450