The fossil fuel energy system enabled tremendous improvements in well-being since the late nineteenth century. But material benefits are inequitably distributed, and costs such as pollution and environmental degradation are disproportionately felt by socially vulnerable populations.

Energy justice is the principle that every person should have reliable, safe, and affordable access to essential energy services; that the benefits and costs of energy systems are equitably distributed; and that all people have equitable access to the energy decision-making process. The transition to a climate friendly energy system must be grounded on the principle of fair access to clean energy services.