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Discussion Guide

Episode 7: To Best The Beast

Overview

Don’t worry! We haven’t gone off on the deep end to claim renewables are the root of all evil. Just as we need clean energy, we also need to consider how to make the planning and development of renewables equitable to all communities. 

Large-scale renewable projects require vast amounts of land. In small island states, like Mauritius, these projects require us to consider where we choose to develop renewable projects and how they impact the people who live there. How do we make these decisions fairly? How can we avoid clearing sensitive ecosystems? While renewables are the transition we need, Krishnee reminds us of the importance of considering how decisions are made, who benefits, and how local communities are impacted by these projects.

Energy justice refers to the just development and management of clean energy resources. It includes ensuring affordability and inclusive decision-making processes. (Find out more in the resources below!)

Opening the Discussion

Whether you are hosting a private or public event, consider allowing the audience a few moments to reflect on what they have heard and to quietly organize their thoughts before beginning a discussion. You may provide a general prompt (see examples below) that may support their thinking:

  • What are three words to describe your impressions of the play? 
  • What insights did it provide (in relation to climate change)? 
  • What parts surprised you or moved you? 

Consider spending a few minutes (3-5 mins) discussing some of the responses to these questions, before transitioning to the discussion prompts below.  

(Note - we have a comprehensive guide on Hosting a Listening Party with lots more suggestions - click here).

Discussion Prompts

  • If clean energy development reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the long term, but displaces a community in the short term, do the ends justify the means? 
  • In the play, what characters have the power to decide if clean energy development proceeds? 
  • How does their social status influence their arguments for or against the project? 
  • In what ways do you think we can ensure all voices are heard in the development of clean energy projects?

A person wearing a headscarf wiping a solar panel with a white cloth
Raphael Pouget / Climate Visuals Countdown

Resources

Curious about this topic? Check out the resources below: 

For more resources, check-out our Take Action page on our website.  

Take Action

Want to do more? Consider donating to these climate organizations or supporting their campaigns.