Reconsidering just energy transition: integrating ethical, spatial and temporal perspectives from Aristotle to Deloria

Global environmental crisis such as climate change, and its attenuated energy transition demand a fundamental rethinking of the political and ethical foundations that have shaped modern political economy. Economic geography with its focus on placed-based dynamics, relational operation and tacit knowledge, offers a vital lens to explore these challenges. This article expands the analytical toolkit of economic geography by examining contrasting paradigms of space and time in Western and Indigenous philosophical thought, drawing insights from scholars ranging from Aristotle to Vine Deloria Jr. Through case studies of offshore wind energy development in the United States, the article illustrates how these differing worldviews shape different understandings of finance, power, and environmental responsibility. Energy systems are not just technical systems; they are inherently political and moral. They necessitate explicit ethical frameworks that prioritize social engagement and community benefit over private gains. I argue for a grounded approach to energy transition that integrates externalities – both positive and negative. I emphasize relational responsibility in economic practices. By foregrounding ethical principles in energy transitions, scholars of economic geography can foster pathways to more equitable and sustainable practices that better align with ecological and social realities.