Abstract The energy transition requires minerals that are increasingly difficult to obtain on the surface, so the ocean floor and by virtue of its mineral reserves, could meet projected demand and contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals. However, there are contradictory discourses regarding the role of sustainability in deep-sea mining. On the one hand, it is suggested that it would have less impact than surface mining. On the other hand, it argues about the negative impacts on the ocean and effects on human well-being and the livelihoods of local communities. Thus, the objective is to problematize the relationship between sustainability and deep-sea mining, based on the approach of the resource frontier and how these spaces are produced, the predominant narratives, and what are the dynamics that underlie this process. Using tools of bibliometric analysis and qualitative content analysis, it was possible to account for dominant narratives about circular economy, biodiversity, governance, and blue economy in the literature. Dynamics underlying the creation of the resource frontier are the search for new sources of minerals, the need to control resources, and positioning the ocean as a zone of unlimited development, which configure deep-sea mining as an emerging frontier for sustainability.

Resumo A transição energética exige minerais cada vez mais difíceis de obter na superfície, para que o fundo do oceano e, em virtude de suas reservas minerais, possam atender à demanda projetada e contribuir para alcançar os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável. No entanto, há discursos contraditórios sobre o papel da sustentabilidade na mineração em alto mar. Por um lado, sugere-se que teria menos impacto do que a mineração de superfície. Por outro lado, argumenta sobre os impactos negativos no oceano e os efeitos no bem-estar humano e nos meios de subsistência das comunidades locais. Assim, o objetivo é problematizar a relação entre sustentabilidade e mineração em alto mar, a partir da abordagem da fronteira de recursos e, em particular, como esses espaços são produzidos, as narrativas predominantes e quais são as dinâmicas que subjazem a esse processo. Utilizando ferramentas de análise bibliométrica e análise qualitativa de conteúdo, foi possível dar conta das narrativas dominantes sobre economia circular, biodiversidade, governança e economia azul na literatura. As dinâmicas subjacentes à criação da fronteira de recursos são a busca de novas fontes de minerais, a necessidade de controlar os recursos e o posicionamento do oceano como uma zona de desenvolvimento ilimitado, que configuram a mineração em alto mar como uma fronteira emergente para a sustentabilidade.

Resumen La transición energética requiere minerales que cada vez son más difíciles de obtener en superficie, por lo que, el fondo del océano y en virtud de sus reservas de minerales, podría satisfacer la demanda proyectada y contribuir a alcanzar los objetivos de desarrollo sustentable. Sin embargo, existen discursos contradictorios respecto al rol de la sustentabilidad en la minería en aguas profundas. Por un lado, se plantea que tendría menor impacto que la minería en superficie. Por otro lado, se argumenta sobre los impactos negativos en el océano y afectaciones en el bienestar humano y medios de vida de las comunidades locales. Así, el objetivo es problematizar en torno a la relación entre sustentabilidad y minería en aguas profundas, a partir de la aproximación de la frontera de recursos y en particular, cómo se producen estos espacios, las narrativas predominantes, y cuáles son las dinámicas que subyacen en este proceso. Utilizando herramientas del análisis bibliométrico y análisis de contenido cualitativo, se pudo dar cuenta de narrativas dominantes sobre economía circular, biodiversidad, gobernanza, y economía azul en la literatura. Dinámicas que subyacen a la creación de la frontera de recursos son la búsqueda de nuevas fuentes de minerales, la necesidad de controlar los recursos, y posicionar al océano como una zona de desarrollo ilimitado, las que, configuran a la minería en aguas profundas como frontera emergente para la sustentabilidad.

Resumen: Este artículo analiza el proceso de constitución y consolidación del campo de la ecología política en América Latina como espacio interdisciplinar en las ciencias sociales. Afirmo que la configuración del campo de estudios surge de la intersección entre dinámicas sociopolíticas y académicas en dos momentos fundamentales: en un primer momento, se decantan las principales líneas de análisis, donde las proposiciones teórico-empíricas se imbrican al activismo y compromiso político de sus principales representantes con procesos específicos; en un segundo momento, se produce la formalización académica y el ensanchamiento del campo de estudios, con nuevas preguntas que se inscriben en el contexto geopolítico global de cambio climático y transición energética, donde desatacan nuevas agendas de investigación transversales en su aporte a la discusión internacional. El artículo aporta una mirada original a los debates interdisciplinares de las ciencias sociales, así como a las discusiones en la relación academia/sociedad.

Abstract: This article analyzes the process of constitution and consolidation of the field of political ecology in Latin America as an interdisciplinary space in the social sciences. We argue that the configuration of the field of study arises from the intersection between sociopolitical and academic dynamics in two fundamental moments: the first moment, the main lines of analysis, where the theoretical-empirical propositions overlap with the activism and political commitment of their principal representatives with specific processes; a second moment, of academic formalization and broadening of the field of studies, with new questions that are part of the current global geopolitical context of climate change and energy transition, where the new cross-cutting research agendas and their contribution to the discussion stand out international. The article provides an original look at the interdisciplinary debates in the social sciences and the discussions on the relationship between academia and society.

Abstract Blue Economy was formulated with the aim of surviving the challenge of time, as well as guiding and supporting the needs of the planet in order to effectively face the critical challenges for this growth. Considering that the blue economy has different components, the strategy focuses on five critical vectors: i. Fisheries, aquaculture and ecosystem conservation; ii. Maritime transport and trade; iii. Sustainable energy, extractive minerals, gas, innovative industries; iv. Environmental sustainability, climate change and coastal infrastructures; v. Governance, institutions and social actions. The ocean plays a crucial role in the well-being of humanity, as it contains multiple properties that are essential for the survival of all living beings. However, with successive technological advances, phenomena emerged that encouraged the excessive use of its potential, putting the sustainability of its resources into question. Based on this premise, we address the theme of the “Blue Economy” which emerges as an economy that brings together a set of sectors that allows the riches of the sea to be valued, in a sustainable and balanced way.

Resumo Economia Azul foi formulada com o intuito de sobreviver ao desafio do tempo, assim como orientar e apoiar as necessidades do planeta com vista a enfrentar eficazmente os desafios críticos para esse crescimento. Considerando que a economia azul tem componentes diversos, a estratégia centra-se em cinco vectores críticos: i. Pesca, aquicultura e conservação dos ecossistemas; ii. Transporte marítimo e comércio; iii. Energia sustentável, minerais extrativos, gás, indústrias inovadoras; iv. Sustentabilidade ambiental, alterações climáticas e infraestruturas costeiras; v. Governança, instituições e ações sociais. O oceano desempenha um papel crucial no bem-estar da humanidade, na medida que contêm propriedades múltiplas que são elementares para a sobrevivência de todos os seres vivos. No entanto, com os sucessivos avanços tecnológicos foram surgindo fenômenos que estimularam o excesso de uso das suas potencialidades, colocando em questão a sustentabilidade dos seus recursos. Partindo desta premissa, abordamos a temática da “Economia Azul” que emerge como uma economia que agrega um conjunto de setores que permite valorizar as riquezas do mar, de uma forma sustentável e equilibrada.

Resumen: Este trabajo analiza las Comunidades Energéticas Locales desde el paradigma de los comunes y explora sus aspectos clave de gobierno colectivo. Mediante 18 entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad con Comunidades Energéticas españolas, se examinan sus dinámicas internas y su relación con el entorno. Los resultados aportan conocimiento sobre las Comunidades Energéticas y orientan el desarrollo de políticas más eficaces. Se observa que las Comunidades Energéticas adoptan formas jurídicas diversas, con estructuras descentralizadas y democráticas que buscan una transición energética justa. Asimismo, intentan incluir mecanismos de inclusión social para mitigar la exclusión económica. Finalmente, se destaca que su apuesta por la reconfiguración del modelo energético implica definir los límites materiales y espaciales de la producción y el consumo.

Abstract: This paper analyzes Local Energy Communities within the paradigm of the commons and explores their key aspects of collective governance. Utilizing 18 in-depth semi-structured interviews with Spanish Energy Communities, this study examines their internal dynamics and their context interactions. The findings contribute to the understanding of Energy Communities, informing the development of more effective policies. The study reveals the adoption of diverse legal forms by Energy Communities, characterized by decentralized and democratic structures aimed at facilitating a fair energy transition. Moreover, they incorporate social inclusion mechanisms to mitigate economic exclusion. Finally, the commitment of these communities to reshaping the energy model is underscored, which involves defining both the material and spatial boundaries of production and consumption.

Abstract Earth system science has shown that the Earth’s life-enabling conditions rely on its interconnected, complex, adaptive system composed of natural processes, biogeoechemical cycles, and energy fluxes. Although Earth’s future depends on maintaining this system in a well-functioning and stable state, to date, the law fails to effectively protect it. Earth system law has recently been proposed as a new legal paradigm able to embrace the complexity and non-linearity underlying the Earth system functioning. In exploring the normative aspects of the Earth system this paper proposes a conceptual framework that integrates three aspects for strengthening the law’s role in protecting the Earth system: adaptiveness, systems regulation, and planetary justice. Ultimately, this paper discusses the implications for Earth system law to integrate adaptiveness, systems regulation, and planetary justice and protect the planetary conditions that sustain all life forms.

Resumen La ciencia del sistema Tierra ha demostrado que las condiciones necesarias para sostener la vida en la Tierra dependen de su sistema interconectado, complejo y adaptativo, compuesto por procesos naturales, ciclos biogeoquímicos y flujos de energía. Aunque el futuro de la Tierra depende de mantener este sistema en un estado funcional y estable, hasta la fecha, el Derecho no ha logrado protegerlo eficazmente. Por tal razón, el derecho del sistema Tierra se propone como un nuevo paradigma jurídico capaz de abarcar la complejidad y no linealidades subyacentes al funcionamiento del sistema Tierra. Al explorar los aspectos normativos del sistema Tierra, este documento propone un marco conceptual que integra tres aspectos para fortalecer el papel de la ley en la protección de dicho sistema: adaptación, regulación de sistemas y justicia planetaria. En última instancia, este artículo discute potenciales implicaciones dentro del marco del derecho del sistema Tierra para integrar la adaptación, la regulación de sistemas y la justicia planetaria como pilares necesarios en la protección de las condiciones planetarias que sostienen todas las formas de vida.

Abstract This article aims to discuss the several financialization strategies used by sugarcane industry in Brazil, such as banking credit acquisitions, issuance of debt securities, IPO on the stock exchange and speculation in the commodities market. In recent years, agents of the sugarcane sector have been increasingly to access different ways of capitalization to inflate their assets and make productive and speculative investments. The context is part of the hegemony of financial capital over the political economy of the market and large firms, resulting in growing influence on corporate decisions. Thus, it is observed that globalized agribusiness is one of the economic activities that has been having narrow relations with the financial agents to expand the process of capital accumulation, increasing even more the investors’ wealth levels. Brazil acquisitions securities years investments firms decisions Thus accumulation investors levels

Resumo O objetivo do presente artigo é discutir as várias estratégias de financeirização do setor sucroenergético no Brasil, como a aquisição de crédito bancário, emissão de títulos de dívida, abertura de capital em bolsa de valores e especulação no mercado de commodities. Nos últimos anos, os agentes do setor sucroenergético têm se empenhado cada vez mais em acessar diferentes formas de capitalização para inflacionar seus ativos e realizar investimentos produtivos e especulativos. O contexto se insere na hegemonia do capital financeiro sobre a economia política do mercado e das grandes empresas, resultando em crescente influência sobre as decisões corporativas. Sendo assim, observa-se que o agronegócio globalizado é uma das atividades econômicas que vem tendo estreitas relações com os agentes financeiros para ampliar o processo de acumulação do capital, aumentando ainda mais os níveis de riqueza dos investidores. Brasil bancário dívida commodities anos especulativos empresas corporativas assim observase observa investidores

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es discutir las diversas estrategias de financiarización del sector sucroenergético en Brasil, como la adquisición de crédito bancario, la emisión de títulos de deuda, la salida a bolsa y la especulación en el mercado de commodities. En los últimos años, los agentes del sector sucroenergético han apostado cada vez más por acceder a distintas formas de capitalización para inflar sus activos y realizar inversiones productivas y especulativas. El contexto se enmarca en la hegemonía del capital financiero sobre la economía política de mercado y las grandes empresas, lo que se traduce en una creciente influencia en las decisiones empresariales. Así, se observa que la agroindustria globalizada es una de las actividades económicas que viene teniendo estrechas relaciones con los agentes financieros para ampliar el proceso de acumulación de capital, aumentando aún más los niveles de riqueza de los inversionistas. Brasil bancario deuda commodities años especulativas empresas empresariales Así inversionistas

Purpose Foreign subsidiaries incur substantial institutional conformity costs because they have to respond to host-country institutional pressures (Slangen & Hennart, 2008). The purpose of this paper is to study this type of cost from institutional and regulatory perspectives. The authors argue that these costs decrease when the host country adopts concepts of international regulations that multinationals may be familiar with due to their own home country regulation experience. This prior regulatory experience gives foreign subsidiaries an advantage of foreignness (AoF), which can offset their liability of foreignness (LoF). Design/methodology/approach This study compared the returns on assets of 35 domestic firms with those of foreign subsidiaries in the Brazilian energy industry between 2002 and 2021, using regression dynamic panel data. Findings The existence of a relationship between the international regulatory norm and the Brazilian regulator has transformed the LoF into an advantage of foreignness to compete with local energy firms. The results also suggest that the better the regulatory quality of the subsidiary’s country of origin, the better its performance in Brazil, as it can reduce compliance costs. Finally, the greater the psychic distance between Brazil and the foreign subsidiary’s home country, the worse its performance. Research limitations/implications The research suggests that one of the keys to competitiveness in host countries is local regulatory ties. Prior international regulatory experience gives foreign subsidiaries an asset of foreignness (AoF). This result complements the current institutional and regulatory foreignness studies on emerging economies (Cuervo-Cazurra & Genc, 2008; Mallon et al., 2022) and the institutional asymmetry between home and host country (Mallon & Fainshmidt, 2017). Practical implications This research suggests that one of the keys to competitiveness in host countries is local regulatory ties. Prior international regulatory experience gives foreign subsidiaries an asset of foreignness (AoF). This result complements the current institutional and regulatory foreignness studies on emerging economies (Cuervo-Cazurra & Genc, 2008; Mallon et al., 2022) and the institutional asymmetry between home and host country (Mallon & Fainshmidt, 2017). The practical implication is that the relationship between conformity costs, capital budget calculation and strategic planning for internationalization will be related to the governance quality of the home country of multinationals. The social implication is that a country interested in attracting more direct foreign investment to areas that need foreign technology transfer and resources may consider adopting international regulatory standards. Social implications The social implication is that a country interested in attracting more direct foreign investment to areas that need foreign technology transfer and resources may consider adopting international regulatory standards. Originality/value This research discuss firm and local regulator tie is one of core competitiveness in host countries (Yang and Meyer, 2020). This study also complements the current institutional and regulatory foreignness studies in emerging economy (Cuervo-Cazurra & Genc, 2008; Mallon et al., 2022). Second, prior regulatory experience of multinational enterprise in similar environment can affect its foreign affiliate performance (Perkins, 2014). Third, this study confirms current literature that argues that knowledge and ability to operate in an institutionalized country can be transferred from parent to affiliate. In the end, this study investigates whether AoF persists when host governments improve the governance of their industries. hostcountry Slangen Hennart 2008. 2008 . 2008) perspectives AoF, , (AoF) LoF. (LoF) Designmethodologyapproach Design methodology approach 3 200 2021 data subsidiarys subsidiary s origin Finally limitationsimplications limitations ties AoF. CuervoCazurra Cuervo Cazurra Genc al al. 2022 Fainshmidt 2017. 2017 2017) standards Originalityvalue Originality value Yang Meyer 2020. 2020 2020) 2022. Second Perkins, Perkins (Perkins 2014. 2014 2014) Third end industries (AoF (LoF 20 202 201 2

Abstract Objective: To analyze how Collaborative Governance [GC] manifests itself in the implementation and maintenance of wind farms, from the community’s perspective. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative research, with the object of the research being the “local communities” in the cities of Icaraí de Amontada, Trairi and São Gonçalo do Amarante, located in the state of Ceará, in wind energy enterprises”. To analyze and interpret the in-depth interviews, the Content Analysis [AC] was chosen, with Atlas TI as a support tool. Results: The results demonstrate that energy distribution needs to be seen as a collective good and the relationship between the company and the community should be based on GC, where public and private agents work collectively and collaboratively, in addition to the need for a social license to operate [LSO] for projects that have an impact on community life as a result of such governance. In the initial conditions of the collaborative process, there was a sense of trust at the beginning of the establishment of the wind farms that was not sustained during maintenance. It also shows the importance of a face-to-face communication, since the community’s most important resource and source of income is at stake: the land. Originality/value: This research is notable for its contribution and originality in exploring the theoretical constructs of Collaborative Governance and its practice in the construction of company-community relationships in wind farms from the community’s perspective. Objective GC [GC communitys s perspective Design/methodology/approach Designmethodologyapproach Design methodology approach local communities Amontada Amarante Ceará enterprises. enterprises . enterprises” indepth depth interviews AC [AC chosen tool Results collaboratively LSO [LSO governance process facetoface face communication stake land Originality/value Originalityvalue Originality value companycommunity

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar como a Governança Colaborativa [GC] se manifesta na implantação e manutenção de parques eólicos, sob o olhar da comunidade. Design/metodologia/abordagem: Pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, sendo o objeto de pesquisa as “comunidades locais” das cidades de Icaraí de Amontada, Trairi, São Gonçalo do Amarante, no Ceará, em empreendimentos de energia eólica”. Para a análise e interpretação das entrevistas em profundidade, optou-se pela Análise de Conteúdo com suporte do Atlas ti. Resultados: Os resultados evidenciam que a distribuição de energia precisa ser vista como um bem coletivo e o relacionamento entre empresa e comunidade deve ser fundamentado na GC, onde os atores públicos e privados trabalhem de maneira coletiva e colaborativa, além da necessidade de haver a Licença Social para Operar [LSO] de empreendimentos que impactam a vida em comunidade sendo fruto dessa governança. Constata-se que o fórum para discussão do processo de colaboração entre empresas proprietárias de parques eólicos e comunidade normalmente era iniciado pela prefeitura. Nas condições iniciais do processo colaborativo percebe-se uma confiança no início da implantação dos parques eólicos que não se mantém na manutenção. Evidencia-se ainda, a relevância da comunicação dialogada face a face, por estar em jogo o recurso mais importante da comunidade e fonte geradora de renda: a terra. Originalidade/valor: Esta pesquisa se destaca pela contribuição e ineditismo em explorar os construtos teóricos acerca da Governança Colaborativa e sua prática na construção de relacionamentos entre empresa e comunidade em parques eólicos sob o olhar da comunidade. Objetivo GC [GC Design/metodologia/abordagem Designmetodologiaabordagem Design metodologia abordagem qualitativa comunidades locais Amontada Trairi Amarante Ceará eólica. eólica . eólica” profundidade optouse optou ti Resultados colaborativa LSO [LSO governança Constatase Constata prefeitura percebese percebe Evidenciase Evidencia ainda renda terra Originalidade/valor Originalidadevalor Originalidade valor

This proposal brings the perspective of popular participation rights in decisions on the use of the waters of the Mamoré River, aiming at its governance and water security in the face of the social and environmental risks of the binational hydroelectric project, between Brazil and Bolivia, under study. The aim is to: 1) Verify the right to use international rivers and certain decisions on conflicts over the use of transboundary waters; 2) Evaluate environmental democracy in water governance in Pan-Amazonian rivers; and 3) Analyze how the Escazú Agreement can contribute to guaranteeing environmental democracy in decisions on the use of waters from the international Mamoré River in relation to the binational hydroelectric development project planned in the Madeira Complex. To achieve reconciliation between development and the environment in the Pan-Amazon, it is necessary to limit the global forces of exploitation of existing environmental assets, including the use of water resources to generate electrical energy.

A presente proposta traz a perspectiva dos direitos de participação popular nas decisões de uso das águas do rio Mamoré, visando sua governança e segurança hídrica frente aos riscos sociais e ambientais do projeto da hidrelétrica binacional, entre Brasil e Bolívia, em estudo. Pretende-se: 1) Verificar o direito dos usos dos rios internacionais e certas decisões sobre conflitos de uso de águas transfronteiriças; 2) Avaliar a democracia ambiental na governança de águas de rios da Pan-Amazônia; e 3) Analisar como o Acordo de Escazú pode contribuir para garantir a democracia ambiental nas decisões de uso das águas do rio internacional Mamoré frente ao projeto de desenvolvimento de hidrelétrica binacional planejado no Complexo do Madeira. Para ser alcançada a conciliação entre desenvolvimento e meio ambiente na Pan-Amazônia é necessário serem limitadas as forças globais de exploração dos bens ambientais existentes, entre os quais o uso dos recursos hídricos para geração de energia elétrica.

Growing global concern over the impacts of climate change, attributable largely to fossil fuel energy sources, has led to the widely shared goal for a 'just transition' to cleaner energy and reduced dependence on carbon-based fuels. As the world's 14th biggest CO2 emitter and being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, South Africa must embark on a just transition pathway. This paper reviews expected coal mine closures and associated community vulnerabilities and local governance challenges in South Africa. Decommissioning schedules for all coal-fired power stations and operating coal mines are plotted, and 69 mining host communities and 21 municipalities are mapped, classified, and described. Community socio-economic profiles are measured using a set of SDG indicators and census data and municipalities assessed through financial audits. Our research shows that five coal-fired power plants (8.9 GW) and 15 coal mines (29.5 Mt/a) willprobably close by 2030, and a further four plants (14 GW) and 23 mines (106 Mt/a) by 2040. Thus, the shift to cleaner energy will likely occur without the premature closures implied by the just transition. The impact of mine closure on the 2.5 million residents of host communities will be significant, particularly as levels of income, employment, and education are already very low and many municipalities are in financial distress. The South African approach to the just transition needs to take local realities into account and the narrative must support an effective transition that does not undermine energy security and economic growth.

ABSTRACT The impact of climate change in intermediate cities is a topic of growing interest on Latin America. This study analyzed the influence of climate in the city of Pasto, Colombia. Based on several land use planning methodologies, we defined the main urban elements that affect the city's territorial dynamics. Subsequently, we employed a structural analysis to identify the main relationships among the urban elements. Using direct and indirect classification based on the method of cross-impact matrices applied multiplication for a classification (MICMAC) and the Delphi method, we determined the dependencies and influences of the urban elements integrated in a systemic model of 12 positive and 8 negative loops that relate climate, energy, and culture as power elements over the city's economy, health, education, environment, functionality, demography, and security, all of which are articulated by governance as the key element, with results applicable to other cities in the region.

RESUMEN El impacto del cambio climático en ciudades intermedias es un tema de creciente interés en América Latina. Este estudio analizó la influencia del clima en la ciudad de Pasto, Colombia. Basados en diversas metodologías de planificación del uso del suelo, definimos los principales elementos urbanos que afectan la dinámica territorial de la ciudad. Posteriormente, empleamos un análisis estructural para identificar las principales relaciones entre los elementos urbanos. Utilizando una clasificación directa e indirecta basada en el método de matrices de impacto cruzado con multiplicación aplicada para la clasificación (MICMAC) y el método Delphi, determinamos las dependencias e influencias de los elementos urbanos integrados en un modelo sistémico de 12 bucles positivos y 8 negativos que relacionan el clima, la energía y la cultura como elementos poderosos sobre la economía, salud, educación, medio ambiente, funcionalidad, demografía y seguridad de la ciudad, todos los cuales están articulados por la gobernanza como el elemento clave, con resultados aplicables a otras ciudades de la región.

RESUMEN Este artículo compara los tratados de gobernanza climática con el Tratado de la Carta de la Energía, explica los efectos que el otorgar derechos a la naturaleza a nivel estatal tiene con relación a la gobernanza ambiental global del cambio climático y su importancia para América Latina. Argumenta que promover y conceder derechos a la naturaleza a escala estatal es un elemento que contribuye a la activación socio-legal coordinada de diversos actores, y presiona la implementación efectiva de medidas y el cumplimiento de compromisos multilaterales dentro de la "orquestación" de gobernanza ambiental global. Del mismo modo, y desde una perspectiva de derechos humanos, expone que, dentro de la trayectoria de la gobernanza climática transnacional, la acción a nivel estatal, a través de la aceptación de derechos de la naturaleza, representa una medida precautoria insoslayable, dada la presión, cada vez mayor del Norte Global por los bienes y servicios de la naturaleza en el contexto de la transición energética.

ABSTRACT The article compares climate governance treaties with the Energy Charter Treaty and explains the effects of granting rights to nature at the state level concerning global environmental governance of climate change and its relevance for Latin America. He argues that the promotion and granting of rights to nature at the state level is an element that contributes to the coordinated socio-legal activation of diverse actors, presses for the effective implementation of measures, and the fulfillment of multilateral commitments within the "orchestration" of global environmental governance. Likewise, and from a human rights perspective, I argue that, within the trajectory of transnational climate governance, State-level action, through the acceptance of rights to nature, represents an unavoidable precautionary measure, given the increasing pressure from the global north for nature's goods and services in the context of the energy transition.

RESUMEN En este artículo se establecen las diferencias entre la gobernanza antropocéntrica y la gobernanza ecocéntrica en la gestión de los recursos y servicios energéticos e hídricos. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio, transversal y psicométrico con una selección no probabilística de 100 funcionarios y usuarios del servicio de luz y agua. Se utilizó el Inventario de Gobernanza de Carreón Guillén (2022) y se obtuvieron los tres factores preponderantes: conflicto, negociación-consenso y autorregulación-corresponsabilidad. En relación con el escenario de escasez de recursos, se discuten las aplicaciones para el diseño de políticas energéticas y de agua basadas en tarifas acordes a la escasez de recursos.

RESUMO Este artigo estabelece as diferenças entre governança antropocêntrica e governança ecocêntrica na gestão de recursos e serviços energéticos e hídricos. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório, transversal e psicométrico com seleção não probabilística de 100 funcionários e utentes do serviço de eletricidade e água. Foi utilizado o Inventário de Governança de Carreón Guillén (2022) e obtidos os três fatores predominantes: conflito, negociação-consenso e autorregulação-co-responsabilidade. Em relação ao cenário de escassez de recursos, são discutidas as aplicações para o desenho de políticas energéticas e hídricas baseadas em tarifas de acordo com a escassez de recursos.

ABSTRACT This article establishes the differences between anthropocentric governance and ecocentric governance in the management of energy and water resources and services. An exploratory, cross-sectional and psychometric study was carried out with a non-probabilistic selection of 100 officials and users of the electricity and water service. The Carreón Guillén Governance Inventory (2022) was used and the three prevailing factors were obtained: conflict, negotiation-consensus and self-regulation-co-responsibility. In relation to the scenario of scarcity of resources, the applications for the design of energy and water policies based on tariffs according to the scarcity of resources are discussed.

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century. To combat climate change the international community has agreed to keep the average temperature increase well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Despite this consideration, the latest scientific evidence suggests that the planet has already warmed by 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. The slow reaction by national governments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions has prompted cities to take ownership of climate change mitigation action and drive global intervention from the sub-national level. These urban areas are home to more than half of the world's population and have immense energy requirements, and typically rely heavily on fossil fuels to meet this demand. Therefore, a shift to city level climate governance is significant as cities are both the victims and the culprits of climate change. Should cities supplant fossil fuels with renewable energy initiatives in meeting their energy demands, this would provide a significant boost to climate change mitigation efforts. Bioenergy as a form of renewable energy can potentially contribute to the energy mix in cities through biomass exploitation while simultaneously addressing climate change mitigation efforts. This article focusses on the role of bioenergy in the energy discourse in cities and the potential of law and policy to contribute to developing these biomass-based systems. The article provides insight into the South African bioenergy regulatory framework from an energy and climate change perspective and offers an account of what bioenergy can contribute to cities when considering the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The South African government is navigating many basic municipal service delivery challenges, including a growing electricity supply deficit. Eskom Holdings SOC Limited, the state-owned power utility, is struggling to generate and supply a stable and uninterrupted flow of electricity through its grid system. The inadequate generation capacity results in rotating power outages, known as loadshedding, which occur when demand surpasses generating capability. This fundamental service delivery challenge, in conjunction with South Africa's climate change responses, including the decision to work towards energy efficiency, renewable energy and cleaner energy or a "just transition" from coal to clean energy, encourages many South Africans who have the necessary means to invest in off-grid energy solutions that operate alongside and at times independently of Eskom's grid. This paper considers from a legal perspective how and to what extent legislation on electricity supply and municipal by-laws empower household consumers to fulfil their right to electricity by going off-grid. The paper ultimately considers the import of this on South Africa's energy governance framework for electricity provision in the country.