Narratives of Political Ecology in Socio-Territorial Conflicts Over Wind Energy Development: The Case of the Renaico Commune, Chile

Abstract

The challenge of mitigating climate change through the transition to renewable energy often provokes social opposition in the territories where energy initiatives are implemented. This article identifies the political ecology narratives that emerge in the socio-territorial conflict over wind energy development in the Renaico Commune, Chile. The methodology is based on a qualitative case study approach, combining primary and secondary information sources. Data collection techniques included semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. The analyses revealed the presence of five dominant narratives within political ecology. The narrative concerning new environmental subjectivities and attitudes shapes the wind energy conflict. Finally, it is argued that energy policies in Latin America should foster mechanisms to ensure sustainability, democracy, and justice in the transitional process within the Global South.