Globally, renewable energy production is promoted as a mitigation strategy for climate change. Supported by a Fulbright Scholarship in Chile, my dissertation research examines the challenges and potential of small hydropower (typically generating between 1 to 20 megawatts) as form of climate change mitigation. As a CLIMAS fellow, I conducted outreach informed by research findings designed to connect local knowledge of small hydropower development with environmental policymaking. Ultimately, my project supports social justice and environmental sustainability within the transition to renewable energy.