Just Transition
The world has seen many transitions in the past, from automation to the decline or relocation of entire industries, leading to job losses and economic hardship. This has created a fear that future transitions will be similarly painful.
Low-carbon energy transitions are already happening in many countries, often due to economic factors or health concerns, but also supported and accelerated by climate change policies. Nevertheless, the actors involved, including governments, businesses, workers, and communities have a tendency to protect the status quo and keep carbon-intensive industries alive.
Early action on a just transition can minimize the negative impacts and maximize positive opportunities. The Paris Agreement on climate change includes just transition as an important principle. Just transition is not a fixed set of rules, but a vision and a process based on dialogue and an agenda shared by workers, industry, and governments that need to be negotiated and implemented in their geographical, political, cultural, and social contexts. It is implemented with a set of guiding principles, such as the International Labour Organization's guidelines for a just transition.
Blog
We May Be in Uncharted Waters, But We Aren’t Lost at Sea
When the financial crisis of 2008 hit, governments around the world began structuring stimulus plans. We can learn a lot by looking back at how effective these turned out to be.
We Need a Managed Wind-Down of Fossil Fuel Production
To meet climate goals and avoid further market chaos, governments need to plan the decline of coal, oil and gas production, with support for workers.
How Will the Circular Economy Impact Jobs?
New research digs into some of the possible job impacts if a country like Finland fully embraces a circular economy model.
