International Climate Policy and Just Transition

The Stanley Center will host a policy dinner on confronting the challenge of transitioning to a zero-emissions economy and its potentially disruptive and redistributive effects, particularly on vulnerable groups such as laborers in affected industries and communities dependent upon the fossil fuel economy. Recent political backlash in Europe and the US by those disproportionately affected by this transition underscores the importance of just transition policies in securing a successful transition from fossil fuels. Given the rate and scale of change required in pursuing the 1.5° C target, just transition must be given special attention in international climate policy.

The dinner discussion will open with remarks on a new policy analysis brief, “Strengthening Just Transition Policies in International Climate Governance,” by Anabella Rosemberg of the International Trade Union Confederation. This brief addresses topics such as why just transition is important for the international climate community, just transition policies, case studies, multilateral opportunities for just transition policy, and how workers and labor can be a part of the climate movement to advocate for these policies. The dinner discussion will include these topics in the brief, and actions participants can take forward.