Just Transition

What is a Just Transition?

In the context of climate change, ‘Just Transition’ is a concept and framework referring to an equitable shift to renewable energy and a low greenhouse gas emissions future. The global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy will have deep and far-reaching impacts across the economy and society. A just transition is an approach that seeks to ensure this process is handled in a fair and equitable way.

On the local and national level, a just transition means protecting the livelihoods of those employed in the fossil fuel sector by providing new jobs and training in the green economy; and ensuring vulnerable communities (such as those dependent on fossil fuel industries or cited in areas with new renewable energy infrastructure) have their voices heard. On a global level, it means making sure that the most vulnerable regions, such as least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDs), are part of the conversation.

The principle of a just transition is an important part of international climate agreements, as seen in recent COP (the annual meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) negotiations. At COP26 in 2021, several countries endorsed the concept of a "just transition" as part of their climate commitments.

A just transition is a crucial guidepost for ensuring the energy transition is delivered equitably, and that everyone has a stake in a low greenhouse gas emissions future.

Key Terms:

• Energy Transition

Across the course of human history there have been several major shifts in how people power the world - from wood and biomass displaced by coal in the eighteenth century, to the rise of oil and gas in the nineteenth century. In this century, energy transition refers to the global shift from nonrenewable fossil fuels (including oil, gas, and coal) to renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

• Loss and Damage

A term used in international climate negotiations to refer to the unavoidable destructive impacts of climate change, from extreme weather events including heatwaves and floods, to slow-onset processes like sea level rise and desertification. Climate-vulnerable regions, such as small island nations, are particularly vulnerable to loss and damage; it is crucial that the topic is top of the agenda for a just transition.

• Phase Out Fossil Fuels

Refers to reducing, and eventually ceasing entirely, the production and use of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal.

Resources for Further Learning:

•  UNFCCC. "The Paris Agreement and NDCs." United Nations Climate Change, 2024
  

• UN. "All about the NDCs." United Nations Climate Action, 2024.

• NDC Partnership. "NDC 3.0 Navigator." NDC Partnership, UN Climate Change, 2024.

• Climate Promise. "What are NDCs and how do they drive climate action?" United Nations Development Programme, 2024.

• UNFCCC. “The Paris Agreement.” United Nations Climate Change, UN Climate Change, 2024.