This research examines the human rights implications of Seychelles’ transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, faces severe climate change risks despite contributing negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The country’s dependence on fossil fuels, which supply 67.48% of its total energy consumption, has led to significant human rights challenges, including health impacts, housing insecurity, and livelihood threats due to climate-induced displacement.
The study utilizes a combination of survey data and expert consultations to evaluate the human rights impacts of Seychelles’ energy practices and its potential shift to renewable energy.
A total of 346 participants from various regions of Seychelles provided survey responses, along with insights from 7 experts in energy policy and human rights. The research focuses on the health impacts of fossil fuel consumption, such as respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and housing concerns due to rising sea levels and extreme weather.
Survey results revealed that 61.43% of urban residents linked their health problems, including asthma and bronchitis, to air pollution caused by fossil fuels. Additionally, 69.32% of coastal residents expressed concerns about displacement due to flooding, and 63.21% feared disruptions to their livelihoods, especially among those reliant on tourism and fishing.
The research also explores the human rights risks and benefits associated with transitioning to renewable energy. While renewable energy has the potential to alleviate some human rights issues, it presents new challenges.
A significant 63.52% of survey respondents feared job displacement as the energy sector shifts away from fossil fuels, with 57.93% of workers in the energy sector expressing similar concerns. Moreover, 60.15% of rural and low-income respondents reported facing obstacles in accessing renewable energy technologies, primarily due to high costs.
The study highlights the importance of a rights-based transition, advocating for inclusive policy development that safeguards workers displaced by the fossil fuel phase-out. It calls for the creation of green job programs and financial assistance mechanisms to ensure that renewable energy is affordable and accessible to all, particularly marginalized communities.
The research also recommends strengthening public health initiatives to address the existing health problems caused by fossil fuel pollution, and encouraging community-led renewable energy projects to foster local resilience.
International frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), provide the foundation for Seychelles’ transition. The study urges the government to prioritize equity in energy policies and ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind in the shift toward renewable energy.
In conclusion, while Seychelles faces substantial challenges in transitioning to renewable energy, a carefully managed, equitable approach can protect human rights and serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
By integrating human rights considerations into the energy transition, Seychelles can ensure a fair and just shift that benefits all citizens while addressing climate change.
Abstract
Research evaluates how Seychelles’ shift toward renewable power affects human rights among its citizens and their health conditions and forced relocation and financial adjustments. The small amount of global greenhouse gas emissions from Seychelles exists alongside severe climate change vulnerability because fossil fuels make up 67.48% of its energy usage.
This study gathers insights from surveys with 346 participants while consulting with seven experts to recognize the main human rights violations deriving from fossil fuel dependency.
Data from surveys shows that air pollution-triggered breathing problems affect 61.43% of those living in cities and 69.32% of coastal inhabitants worry about forthcoming sea-level rise.
Research findings show that job displacement concerns affected 63.52% of participants while 60.15% of rural and low-income households encountered major obstacles when trying to access renewable energy technologies. Regression models together with statistical analysis prove that energy transition challenges relate directly to socio-economic conditions and physical location and income levels.
The research shows that sustainable energy transition demands fundamental protections based on human rights by introducing green jobs strategies and funding and health solutions to combat health risks from fossil fuels. The authors support community-based renewable energy activities which should be backed by policies emphasizing fair and inclusive energy transition measures.
The research enhances Small Island Developing States’ (SIDS) knowledge of their energy transition needs by delivering practical suggestions to protect human rights functions within climate initiatives.
