Just Transition

The principle that the shift to a low-carbon economy should take account of the workers, communities and regions whose livelihoods depend on high-carbon activity — through reskilling, social protection, regional investment and social dialogue. The concept draws on International Labour Organization guidelines and is referenced in the preamble to the Paris Agreement. Within the UNFCCC process it has its own dedicated work programme.

Why it matters in the room

It is where climate policy meets employment, industrial and social policy, and it widens the delegation: labour ministries, unions and regional authorities have a legitimate claim on the file. It is also the language in which the domestic feasibility of a target is discussed.