What exactly does a ‘just transition’ look like?
The Paris Agreement requires us to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. A ‘just transition’ requires us to establish green and decent work while maintaining workforce resiliency and the ability for communities to thrive. A just transition is inclusive and creates opportunities for all workers to develop new skills without economic setbacks or unwanted physical relocation, while respecting, promoting and realizing fundamental principles and rights. Governments, employers and workers will share the responsibility of sustainable development for future generations.
What are the challenges facing workers in a green economy?
As we seek to decarbonize our economy, carbon-intensive sectors will be expected to change their operations more quickly. As jobs are created, eliminated, substituted and transformed, a just transition requires the workers to be provided training, allowing them to maintain employment. Extreme weather events will impact safety and labour productivity and may result in worker displacement. To support the intersectional effects of climate change, the policies that govern a just transition must elevate under-represented groups. Marginalized groups will continue to be more susceptible to climate risks and will require even greater protection. Progress has been significant but has left behind large parts of the world with respect to the creation of renewable energy and deployment of jobs.
What are the opportunities?
If done correctly, transitioning to renewable energy production could alleviate the industry-wide cultural issues creating major barriers for participation of minorities in leadership roles. Careful management of a just transition may also result in net gains in total employment, improvements in job quality and incomes, social inclusion through improved access to resources and training. In the IEA Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, an early policy focus on energy efficiency would triple the number of jobs created by 2030 through increased spending on building retrofits, more efficient appliances and other measures. Innovations in technology, policy and markets are being explored worldwide.
Why can’t we stop oil production dead in it’s tracks?
First and foremost, because people work in that industry! We must not pull the (figurative) rug out from under them without easing them into a new line of work. A just transition comprises training or transitioning of skills into a new sector. Also, when energy supply is compromised, it is the most marginalized demographics that are most affected. Developed nations have disproportionately contributed to climate change, creating a tricky situation whereby, rich nations are now financially responsible to aid developing nations in mitigation & adaptation as well as the prevention of reindustrialization. Careful systems management is necessary to create a socially and economically just transition.
