Concept
The commitment to keep global warming to well below two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels requires decarbonization in all economic sectors and reduction of emissions of all potent greenhouse gases. In practice, this means modernization of the energy sector with a focus on gradual phasing out coal and finding innovative solutions for industries that rely on it and therefore constitute its “ecosystem”, like e.g. steel, or cement. It also implies a rapid mastering of growing atmospheric concentrations of methane and the role its increasing concentration plays in climate change.
A “just transition” is an integrated approach to sustainable development that brings together social progress, workers’ protection, environmental consciousness, and economic success into a framework of democratic governance and institutional support. Effective “just transition” strategies require local, bottom-up participation of all affected stakeholders and commitment by the governments to guarantee their buy-in and provide planning security.
The proposed changes should focus not only on the broadly understood economic needs of people, but must also take under consideration their other substantial needs related to their sense of identity and belonging to a given community, adherence to a given culture and heritage, etc.
It is the duty of governments, but also of organizations such as the United Nations, to make sure that no one is left behind and the transition is just for all.
Useful links
To learn more about the Group's approach to Just Transition please click here.
Please also visit the webpage dedicated to the work of the Task Force on Just Transition operating under the auspices of the Group of Experts.
To learn more about our past and current activities in the field of Just Transition please click here.