Just transitions: Conceptual tools for policy reflection

This report – based on a thorough review of literature and discussions with policymakers – explores the origins of the concept of just transitions in labour and environmental justice movements, its theoretical underpinnings, and its evolution into a prominent global sustainability issue. It pays particular attention to international aspects of just transitions, highlighting the relevance for (policy that impacts) lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Justice is an inherently subjective concept 

What can be considered ‘just’ depends on the viewpoint of the decisionmaker and the definition of justice being used. This report gives an overview of various interpretations of justice in the context of ongoing global sustainability transitions.

There are different ways of defining just transitions 

There is no agreement on what constitutes a just transition, partly due to the different interpretations of its constituent parts: ‘justice’ and ‘transition’. The concept is used in different ways by different groups. At its most basic, a just transition is considered a way to ‘do no harm’ to those affected by sustainability policies. A more far-reaching perspective on just transitions advocates a fundamental rethinking of the relationship between society, the economy, and nature.

There is no one-size fits-all approach to a just transition 

Given the complexities of balancing environmental and social priorities, there will be no one-size-fits-all way to pursue a just transition. Just transition frameworks like those presented in this report can facilitate discussions about, and enable reflection on, what constitutes fair distribution, meaningful participation, and historical accountability, among other things, thereby guiding policymakers and other stakeholders toward more equitable outcomes in their quest for sustainable futures.