What Does Just Transition Mean?
The climate crisis is no longer an issue that can be clarified solely via temperature graphs and emission curves. A coal miner, an employee at the thermal power plant operating in a small town, a family suffering escalating energy bills each month... They are all at the core of this evolving globe. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy encompasses more than just a technological upgrade. This transition is also a significant social story about who loses or gains what.
This is where the concept of "just transition" emerges. Just transition is an approach that advocates for the cost of climate and energy transition, ensuring that no single group bears the entire burden. In brief, it is a promise to "leave no one behind" on the journey of achieving climate goals. According to the International Labour Organization's (ILO) green economy scenarios, the green transition can create 24 million new jobs globally by 2030 if the right policies are put in place. On the other hand, this also means there will be some job losses in certain sectors; therefore, it is essential to design a just transition. However, a just transition is not only an employment policy concerning the workforce. It is also a holistic approach that encompasses all segments of society directly or indirectly affected by the environmental, economic, and social impacts of climate change. Households with low income, women, seniors, children, local communities, and those experiencing energy poverty are the most vulnerable stakeholders during this transition. A just transition aims to enhance the resilience of these groups and to prevent the emergence of new inequalities during the transition process.
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Today, the phrase "just transition" is prevalent in UN climate discussions, EU funds, South Africa's strategy for phasing out coal, and even in the demands of local unions. The reason for that is; if climate policies do not include a social justice aspect, they encounter opposition at the grassroots level and are frequently deferred or retracted.
This article will explore the concept of just transition. We will discuss its origins, its fundamental principles, global examples, and why it is critical for Türkiye. We will stive to interpret climate policy not solely as a carbon computation but also as an ‘architecture of justice.’ Enjoy reading!
Although the concept of a just transition is pivotal to current global climate policies, its roots extend much further back in time. During the 1970s, labor unions in the United States started to highlight the possible impacts of environmental policies on employees working in chemical plants and the fossil fuel industry. These unions argued that people should not lose their jobs while effective environmental regulations were implemented in these sectors. In other words, the transition should be beneficial for the environment yet not causing a social devastation.
Over time, this approach has expanded. The UN, the EU, and the ILO now recognize that a just transition is an integral component of climate policies. Because the energy transition is transforming not only the energy system but also labor markets, income distribution, and regional economies.
The fundamental question for the just transition is obvious: How are we going to protect employees, local communities, vulnerable groups, and all stakeholders whose livelihoods are affected by the transition as we move away from fossil fuels? The answer to this question is based on a few basic principles:
1. Financial justice: Alternative employment opportunities should be created for the regions and employees that are affected by the transition the most.
2. Social protection: Beside the mechanisms including training, reskilling, and income support for those who lose their jobs, particular support should be provided for vulnerable groups such as households experiencing energy poverty, women, seniors, and children.
3. Inclusion: This process should be carried out through a participatory mechanism that includes not only energy companies but also employees, women, seniors, and locals.
The fourth principle includes transparency and democratic participation. If local communities are not included in the plans, the transition will be both unjust and likely to fail. Just transition also offers a clear stance against a concept that is often misunderstood: this process should not turn into “greenwashing.” Therefore, policies developed under the guise of environmental protection, but which cause social inequality to grow do not align with the principles of a just transition.
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The energy transformation directly impacts the jobs, incomes, and living conditions of millions. The loss of the only source of livelihood in coal regions, escalating energy prices, and the difficulties encountered by low-income families are fostering social resistance. The protests known as the Yellow Vest movement in France, which oppose the carbon tax, serve as one of the most prominent examples. This example illustrates that when climate policies are formulated taking only into account the environmental but not the social and financial justice aspects, they can trigger serious responses from the most vulnerable segments of society. Climate policies cannot be implemented and are often retracted without the support of the people. As a result, a socially-just transition is inevitable for environmental goals to be effective.
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The just transition is now a key component of climate policies of numerous countries. Because phasing out fossil fuels has a significant impact on regional economies and workforces, and countries are endeavoring to manage this transition in a well-planned manner.
- The EU has one of the most comprehensive mechanisms regarding the just transition. As part of “Just Transition Mechanism,” approximately 55 billion euros have been allocated for the transformation of coal regions. The goal is to assist those engaged in fossil fuel sectors in developing new skills, promote reviving the regions via renewable energy investments, and prevent the financial gap that arises from the decommissioning of power plants.
- South Africa positioned to combat energy poverty at the core of its just transition. The country’s phase-out plan for coal involves the decommissioning of power plants, as well as increasing the access to clean energy at low-income regions.
- Chile has developed just transition models to combat environmental pollution in areas with intensive copper mining activities. As these regions are at both financial and environmental risk, social programs and rehabilitation projects are implemented together.
The common thread in these examples is planning. The winners and losers of the transformation are analyzed in advance, and the burden of the transition is not left solely on the shoulders of one group.
Coal still has the major share in electricity generation in Türkiye. Thousands of people residing in regions like Zonguldak and Soma earn their living from coal. Therefore, energy transformation is not only an environmental but a financial issue that has a direct impact on the lives of people.
Türkiye declared its net-zero target for 2053 and the EU Green Deal imposes new liabilities on exporting industries. Production based on fossil fuels is becoming more and more costly. Thus, it is of critical significance to plan the transformation to prevent financial losses as well as sustaining competitiveness.
The discussion regarding a just transition in Türkiye extends beyond the issue of employment in coal areas. Another concern that renders a just transition in Türkiye imperative is energy poverty. According to the data by Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkSTAT), 15 out of every 100 people cannot afford heating and struggle to cover their energy costs. This indicates that if the transition process is designed improperly, the most vulnerable groups will endure a heavier burden. The increase in energy prices affects low-income households disproportionately. By developing appropriate policies, it is possible to generate new employment opportunities in sectors, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the circular economy; concurrently, it is also possible to develop social support systems to mitigate energy poverty.
Briefly, considering Türkiye, a just transition is not only about achieving climate goals, but also a necessary roadmap to protect the most vulnerable segments of society and create new financial opportunities.
A just transition serves as a fundamental framework that highlights the financial and environmental aspects of climate policies, along with the social aspects. As energy systems rapidly evolve, it is no longer feasible to disregard who pays the price for this change, which communities become more vulnerable, and which groups are omitted from the process. Coal regions, people working in energy-intensive industries, low-income households, women, seniors, and communities experiencing energy poverty are the ones that are affected the most from this change.
When designed properly, a just transition is not only a mechanism to compensate for losses, but a roadmap that enhances the adaptation capacity of the entire society to climate transformation, strengthens social resilience, and prevents the formation of new inequalities. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular economy, and green technologies, etc. revive regions and contribute to the establishment of a more inclusive financial structure besides creating new job opportunities.
In conclusion, the success of the climate struggle depends not only on the amount of carbon we mitigate, but also on how and with whom we manage this transformation. Climate policies can only persist if an approach that covers all segments of society and has the protection and empowerment of vulnerable groups at its core is adopted. Thus, a just transition is not just a policy tool, but the foundations of a shared, resilient, and just future.