Editor’s choice
This policy report presents basic tenets that define a just transition. It suggests ways to implement these components into policy and practice. The report emphasizes that regions facing decarbonization can and must prepare for inevitable change on the horizon with critical investments, policy reforms and inclusive dialogue.
Coal miners at work. Photo: Tyler Stableford / Getty Images
The “just transition” concept captures a full sweep of issues that raise fundamental questions about matters of fairness surfacing in the global shift to a low-carbon economy – particularly for people and regions that now depend on carbon-intensive industries and sectors.
This policy report puts forward seven principles that are essential components of a just transition. The report, which also offers ways to integrate principles into policy, is based on an analysis of related literatures and historic case studies of similar economic disruptions.
The report underscores that to achieve equity aims, all principles should be pursued in parallel, not selectively. At the same time,the authors argue that nothing justifies postponing the first principle: the decarbonization imperative. Delays that leave regions behind as decarbonization accelerates across the globe are inherently unjust – as are the ramifications of unchecked climate change itself.
Initiative / The Carbon Lock-In Initiative seeks to uncover and address the barriers that uphold the fossil fuel-based economy.
Journal article / This paper looks at where and how to equitably phase out oil, gas and coal production.
SEI working paper / This paper assesses the existing knowledge base to better understand the economic, social and political consequences of mine closures.
SEI brief / This brief synthesizes the findings from SEI's work on the inequality that exists in energy systems, on inclusive energy planning and on just transitions.
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