Overview
The global transition to renewable energy is progressing too slowly and in some cases even showing signs of reversal, despite the urgency of climate protection, accelerating ecosystem degradation, and growing inequality. Efforts to accelerate the transition frequently encounter resistance, as fast-track procedures can undermine just decision-making and the careful consideration of local environmental impacts, while slower processes may strengthen local participation but delay climate action. The speed of the transition is therefore closely intertwined with spatial and temporal questions of justice and environmental protection.
Despite the increasing implementation of fast-track permitting procedures — internationally as well as in Switzerland (e.g., Solarexpress, Beschleunigungserlass, Netzexpress) — systematic research is still lacking on how acceleration can be achieved without compromising local environmental protection and justice, and how participatory processes can be designed to be both efficient and fair.
This project examines different institutional fast-track approaches in Switzerland and tests a new, innovative transdisciplinary approach to participatory processes that brings together cultural and planning practices.
