My doctoral thesis is written as a cumulative dissertation and addresses the overarching research question: How can philosophy foster deeper ethical reflection on the human and non-human beings often overlooked in energy transition processes?

To answer this question, I focus on three distinct aspects of energy transitions. Each of these is examined based on a specific research question and from a specific philosophical perspective. The strategy of breaking down the overarching question into specific sub-questions and pursuing these in three in-depth explorations is intended to enable a comprehensive and thorough examination of moral problems in the course of the doctoral project.

First, I address the overarching research question on a theoretical level and focus on the very concept of energy. This concept has been little researched in philosophy to date. In the article entitled “Just” energy? An ecofeminist analysis and critique of a predominant conception of energy, the focus is on a socio-economic understanding of energy as a resource and commodity for human needs and the development of human societies – an understanding that seems to be common, at least in Western contexts. This concept of energy corresponds to a cultural understanding that differs from and goes beyond the scientific notion of energy. Such an understanding can be found in various narratives, including in energy policy. The article tries to answer the following question: Does this understanding of energy as a commodity and resource affect the relationship between humans and nature? And if so, how? (Sub-question #1). An ecofeminist approach is adopted.

Shifting from theoretical analysis to applied research, the second article of this dissertation focuses on a group particularly vulnerable to being left behind in the energy transition efforts: those affected by energy poverty. For this study, I collaborated with a Milan-based research company specializing in energy poverty studies, among other things. The article Not enough (yet): A capabilities assessment of the implementation of energy poverty policies in Italy results from this collaboration. It examines the following question: Are current energy transition policies in Italy addressing the issue of energy poverty? And if not, can such policies be considered unfair? (Sub-question #2). This study adopts a capability perspective.

he third and final article of this dissertation focuses on another group often overlooked in energy transition plans: animals such as bats and birds disturbed or endangered by wind turbines. Studies have documented significant bat and bird fatalities caused by wind turbines. Estimates suggest that several hundred thousand bats could be killed annually by wind turbines in temperate regions. Should policymakers take into consideration the impact on sentient animals when implementing energy transition projects (e.g. wind farms)? If so, on what moral grounds? (Sub-question #3). An animal ethics perspective is adopted here.

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