From sacrifice zones to sustainable futures: Environmental hope and labor uncertainty in Chile´s energy transition

The transition to low-carbon energy systems is essential for sustainable development, yet it generates socio-environmental tensions, particularly in historically marginalized territories. This study analyses stakeholder perceptions of energy transition and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Tocopilla, a Chilean sacrifice zone, focusing on tensions between environmental sustainability, labour dependence, and governance legitimacy. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines semi-structured interviews, grounded theory coding, network analysis, and statistical techniques, the study identifies key actors, thematic patterns, and the relational structure of stakeholder positions. The findings reveal broad support for renewable energy driven by environmental concerns, alongside persistent fears of job loss and economic uncertainty. CSR is perceived as fragmented, and limited trust in participatory mechanisms undermines the legitimacy of transition processes. The results further show that stakeholder perceptions are socially embedded within coherent relational patterns rather than being individually formed. This study contributes by advancing a relational and socio-territorial understanding of energy transition legitimacy, highlighting that socially legitimate transitions require territorially grounded strategies that integrate employment protection, inclusive governance, and CSR practices aligned with local expectations.