The world is currently in the midst of a global energy transition of historic proportions. Countries around the world are moving from high carbon to low carbon energy economies. Reasons for the accelerated adoption of renewable energy sources include economic prosperity, climate change, environmental sustainability, and security. The transition to a new and disruptive suite of renewable energy technologies will result in a consequential redistribution of economic, political, and social power. We will discuss how our policies and actions addressing global climate change and the energy transition invariably address the perennial themes of social and political thought: justice, equity, virtue, and liberty, and we’ll explore the potential of renewable energy serving as a midwife to greater social justice, economic equality, and a flourishing democratic culture.