Addressing Equality and Justice in a Global Just Transition for Climate ChangeWith the global energy transition underway, many efforts to limit and phase out fossil fuel-based infrastructure now include a just transition process, in which affected workers and communities take part in achieving a fair, just, and safe climate future—admittedly to varying degrees.
On an international level, governments have signed up to and reiterated declarations emphasizing the importance of just transitions, including in COP26 with the Supporting the Conditions for a Just Transition Internationally declaration. In 2016, the International Labor Organization formally approved a set of just transition guidelines—while many more and case studies have been published as well. Governments are proposing international efforts such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa.
In light of the theme of the Stanley Center’s 61st Strategy for Peace Conference, “Disrupting the History of Racism in Peace and Security,” we aimed to further examine the dimensions of this global just transition through the lens of equality and justice—taking into account how race, climate justice, and economic inequality factor into transnational, international, and global approaches to just transition.
The objectives of the workshop were the following:
This workshop brought together participants that included representatives from communities with just transitions and social justice efforts, climate and environment organizations involved in just transition and climate justice work, and international institutions engaged with global climate, economic, and social policy.
The discussion was facilitated by Tina Johnson, a specialist in US and international climate policy and climate and environmental justice advocacy. The conversation was conducted in not-for-attribution rules, in order for participants to speak frankly and explore perspectives outside of their institutional positions.
DAY 1
Welcome: Workshop objectives and introductions
Ice Breaker and Short Introductions
Opening Remarks:
The hosts will talk about the context of and need for this workshop, present the workshop objectives, and review the agenda.
Session 1: Understanding the confluence of equity and justice in a global just transition
Designated Breakout Discussion:
Plenary Report Back and Discussion
Session 2: Sharing local and regional contexts and issues
Plenary Sharing and Discussion:
BREAK
Session 3: Approaches to ongoing problems and efforts
Designated Breakout Groups:
Report Back
First day wrap up
Concluding Reflections:
Closing remarks by hosts and technical details for Day 2.
DAY 2
Recap and Day 2 overview
The hosts will briefly recap the discussion in Day 1, particularly the key takeaways and outstanding questions. They will then review the objectives and agenda for Day 2.
61st Strategy for Peace Conference Climate Change Paper
Climate Change and Systemic Environmental Racism, by Emily Sample and Regina M. Paulose
Authors Briefing
Session 4: Strategies to elevate equity and justice aspects of a global just transition
Plenary Discussion:
Breakout Groups:
Report Back
BREAK
Session 5: Building scale and affecting mainstream governance and processes
Breakout Groups:
Plenary Discussion:
Live input platform/survey
Wrap up and conclusion
The hosts will share their takeaways from the workshop and forward directions.
Final Group Comments
Climate Change and Systemic Environmental RacismBy Emily Sample and Regina M. Paulose
In this discussion paper for SPC 61, Emily Sample and Regina M. Paulose describe the global forces of colonialism, imperialism, and white supremacy that have driven us to the current climate emergency. They review the present state of climate and environmental diplomacy and highlight how even “green” energy projects may replicate racial injustice, particularly on the lands of Indigenous peoples.
Emily Sample is a Programs Director at the Fund for Peace, and a PhD candidate at the George Mason University Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. Her research interests include sexual- and gender-based violence, climate change adaptation, and mass atrocity prevention. Read Emily’s full bio.
Regina M. Paulose has been a practicing attorney since 2004. She presents and publishes on topics related to international criminal law, transnational crimes, and responses to mass atrocities. Read Regina’s full bio.
Background materials for the climate change workshops.
For information about the Conversation on Equality in a Just Transition for Climate Change, please contact Rei Tang (rtang [at] stanleycenter.org) or Kynnedi Henry (Khenry [at] wcaps.org).
