What is just transition?

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a just transition seeks to help workers affected by the new air and water-pollution regulation while maximising the benefits of environmental sustainability and ensures the costs and profits are divided evenly. It recognises that the transition to a green economy will result in winners and losers, and its central tenet is to leave no one behind. The idea arose in reaction to the anticipated negative consequences of climate change mitigation methods on workers and disadvantaged populations.

Protecting workers’ rights

A fundamental component of a just transition is the protection of employees’ rights, ensuring that they are not unemployed or working under insecure conditions. Governments and corporations may help people in carbon-intensive industries move to more sustainable industries by investing in training and retraining initiatives. This method ensures that the workforce can adjust to changing economic conditions, strengthens social cohesion, and lowers inequality.

Fostering social equality

Just transition emphasises the well-being of marginalised groups and vulnerable populations, who frequently suffer the burden of environmental degradation and the effects of climate change. A just transition strives to correct historical injustices and create social equity by encouraging inclusivity and active involvement. It attempts to provide equitable chances for everybody, regardless of socio-economic status, to ensure the change does not disproportionately affect anyone.

Building sustainable and resilient communities

Just transition acknowledges the importance of assisting communities that rely largely on sectors undergoing transformation. Governments may help create resilient communities better prepared for the challenges of a changing economy by investing in green infrastructures, social services, and sustainable economic choices. These efforts can lead to a higher quality of life, more social cohesiveness, and lower poverty rates.

Unlocking green job opportunities

The move to a more sustainable economy offers numerous prospects for job development. A just transition promotes green job growth while ensuring these new work possibilities are available to everybody. Governments and corporations may create meaningful jobs while tackling environmental concerns by investing in green energy sources, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and other green sectors.

Enhancing environmental sustainability

A just transition connects economic development with long-term environmental goals by embracing environmental sustainability concepts. It promotes the adoption of cleaner technologies, renewable energy sources, and more environmentally friendly activities while lowering greenhouse-gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. This transition towards sustainability is critical for present and future generations’ well-being.

As one of the leading engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services companies, GHD is committed to addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges associated with water, energy and communities.

GHD’s expertise in consulting services to governments, organisations and communities can help develop strategies and plans for a just transition. This may involve assessing the impact of transitioning to renewable energy sources, identifying potential economic opportunities, and providing guidance on workforce development and proper community engagement.

To learn more about GHD’s efforts in creating a sustainable future, view our expertise pages. Together, let’s create a greener future.

Articles referenced

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^{Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion n.d., ‘Food insecurity’, retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/food-insecurity}

^{US Department of Agriculture n.d., ‘Supplemental nutrition assistance program’, retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program}

^{International Labour Organization n.d., ‘Frequently asked questions on just transition’, retrieved May 27, 2023, from https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/green-jobs/WCMS_824102/lang--en/index.htm}

^{United Nations Development Programme 2022, ‘What is just transition?’ retrieved May 27, 2023, from https://climatepromise.undp.org/news-and-stories/what-just-transition-and-why-it-important}