Abstract

The global transition to renewable energy, while essential for climate change mitigation, presents significant socio-environmental risks that extend beyond traditional emissions assessments. This study examines the multifaceted challenges associated with renewable energy deployment, focusing on rare earth mineral dependency, community displacement from solar and wind farms, and long-term land use implications. Through a comprehensive literature review and risk assessment framework, we identify critical gaps in current renewable energy planning that inadequately address social and environmental externalities. Our findings reveal that rare earth element (REE) demand could increase by 400-600% over the next decades, with China controlling 95% of global production, creating significant supply vulnerabilities. Land use analysis indicates that renewable energy transitions could require up to 266,410 square miles in the United States alone by 2050, with 75% of new developments projected within 10km of natural areas. Community displacement impacts include loss of traditional livelihoods, cultural disruption, and unequal distribution of energy transition benefits. The study proposes an integrated socio-environmental risk assessment framework incorporating geopolitical, ecological, and social justice dimensions. Policy recommendations include diversification of critical mineral supply chains, implementation of community benefit-sharing mechanisms, and adoption of ecosystem-sensitive siting protocols. This research contributes to a more holistic understanding of renewable energy sustainability, emphasizing the need for just transition policies that address both climate and social equity objectives.