Many dimensions to a just transition
The idea of a just transition to low carbon economies has many dimensions – the term has been used by different stakeholders to shed light on different aspects of the transition process and the need to ensure the benefits and costs of transition are equitably distributed.
A just transition means ensuring economies decarbonize, to address the highly uneven distribution of costs and impacts associated with climate change. It also means ensuring – at the same time – that workers, families and regions that are affected by these shifts are supported in finding new livelihoods and managing the social, economic and environmental legacies of industrial change.
As the energy transition goes forward, it is our responsibility to make sure it is done in a just and equitable way.
It is crucial to include Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized groups to ensure that the shift to renewables benefits all.
Staying within climate limits requires restricting fossil fuel extraction as well as demand. But where and how should it be restricted?
Getting out of coal to reduce emissions is the order of the day but doing so is complicated. Here are five lessons from our research.
Multilateral development banks must work and think differently across all operations to help spur net-zero carbon transitions that are “just”.
Gender
Policy responses to deindustrialization have typically focused on supporting (male) employees. But women and other social groups may face specific challenges and at the same time be agents of change in the low-carbon transition.
Just transitions therefore require targeted policy and other forms of support to address underlying social inequalities in contexts of limited energy access and de-industrialization.
This article explores how diffusion of low-carbon technologies impacts gender and social equity in intersectional ways and where “greening” projects fall short.
Regional work
As the cost of renewable energy falls and countries around the world switch to cleaner energy sources, coal export depending countries need to start planning for life after coal.
The authors conduct case studies in Indonesia to explore the value of incorporating gender equity in decision-making for a just transition to renewable energy.
South Africa's coal production may decline significantly in the next few years. This report explores impacts, challenges and key elements of that transition.
This policy brief explores what a sudden decline in coal demand could mean for Colombia, and how the country can ensure a smooth transition away from coal.
Some stand to lose out in the transition away from fossil fuels unless policies that address inequality and injustice are put in place.
This paper explores the complex dynamics that could affect Indonesia’s future coal production and export levels.
