Achieving a just transition is essential for addressing the climate emergency, particularly in tourism-dependent island economies that face unique vulnerabilities such as environmental pressures, small-scale electricity networks, and heavy reliance on tourism. This study investigates how political dynamics, economic dependencies, and equity concerns influence stakeholder perceptions in tourism-dependent island economies, offering guidance for governance frameworks aimed at sustainable and inclusive outcomes. Framed within the concept of “just transition,” it addresses the multi-sectoral challenges of energy transitions, climate resilience, and sustainability, integrating environmental, social, and economic justice across key sectors like transportation, water management, and tourism. To explore this, we use a mixed-methods approach, engaging 36 stakeholders from various sectors to explore essential elements for a fair transition, including access to information, stakeholder engagement, transparency, and governance. Our findings using Q methodology reveal a range of views influenced by political contexts, from skepticism about policy effectiveness to debates on energy management strategies. The analysis suggests that framing transition issues in a way that prioritizes collaborative problem-solving over ideological divides can reduce polarization, enhance focus on shared goals, and improve perceptions of fairness and inclusiveness making discussions more pragmatic and solution-oriented. To effectively address the social and environmental challenges faced by island regions, policymakers must develop inclusive frameworks that integrate transparent policy evaluation, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptive governance.
Mirkova et al. (2025) studied this question.