Leave Carbon Behind, Not People: An Introduction to a Just Transition
At a Biden rally in Minneapolis, Minnesota during the 2020 presidential election week.
Photography: Lorie Shaull via Flickr
Eliminating Carbon
The transition to a low-carbon world is not without pushback and criticism. Fighting climate change by reducing carbon emissions is important, but it could have a negative impact on employment and the economy. In order to address the unease among workers, it is important to validate worries, and identify strategies and solutions- ensuring a just transition where no one is left behind.
The transition to clean energy has already started, with countries like Iceland, Norway, and Sweden generating the most renewable energy. As vital as this transition is, we must consider those who may be affected by the progression. This can look like forming and strengthening workers’ organizations and ensuring their needs are fully represented through unions, advocacy groups, and other forms of representation and protection. Putting workers at the center of this energy transition is the foundation for a “just transition.”
What Is a “Just Transition”?
Because of the lack of history, data, and investment on a just transition, there lacks a consensus on a concrete definition or how to model it. This can make it difficult to approach and develop a common definition and vision necessary for efficient planning. According to an article in the Ethical Trading Initiative, a just transition is “the move towards a more environmentally sustainable economy that generates and preserves decent, inclusive jobs, and that workers impacted by such shifts are integrated into new systems or retrained into other occupations.” Essentially, a just transition ensures that frontline workers and fence-line communities will be considered in the energy transition by not costing them their health, environment, jobs, or economic assets, and that healthy and sustainable environments and economies can co-exist.
Equitable Change Is Sustainable
The science is clear that we must drop our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to almost half by 2030 if we want to avoid the worst climate impacts. With this type of urgency, it is imperative we do not forget the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of such a great transition. This can look like recognizing the fundamental human right to clean air, water, food, and land in all aspects of life, and implementing fair and inclusive policies. Evidence shows that ensuring a just transition can alleviate poverty and wealth disparity, as well as prevent conflict. This framework can result in the healthy economies and resilient communities needed for a sustainable outcome.
Vulnerable groups and communities such as women, Indigenous peoples, people of color, migrants, refugees, frontline workers (especially in the fossil fuel industry), people with disabilities, and people living in poverty are of concern when speaking of leaving no one behind. Many of these groups intersect, where their vulnerability is only perpetuated. It is especially important that we consider these populations while the transition to clean energy takes place. Historically, these groups have been left behind during times of development and transition, and the negative results have a ripple effect. Every place is different, so transition plans will differ depending on community needs, but committing to providing inclusive strategies for a net zero future is imperative everywhere, and there are a few necessary actions to be considered. These include having diverse local representation and community involvement in policy, accessible job training and education, the ability to connect with high-quality jobs, as well as appropriate funding. With these foundational and non-negotiable aspects of a just transition, community-driven strategies can be added to ensure an equitable transition, where all are considered.