Discussion Paper | Just Transition and Real Solutions

Over the last decade, the concept of ‘Just Transition’ has gained political ground, emerging as a framework for movements to understand and respond to the impacts of climate policies on peoples’ struggles for economic and social justice, right to sustainable development, and human rights. Yet, the growing traction of Just Transition in policy discourses has also exposed it to contradicting actors that misappropriate the concept to turn the climate crisis into an opportunity for profit. This is reflected in policies and actions that countries and corporations in the global North promote to place market-based and false ‘solutions’ at the centre of the transition process. They claim that new technologies, carbon markets, and private sector investments will drive decarbonisation, leading to a smooth transition from fossil to renewable energy.

This discussion paper tackles key policy developments on Just Transition, emerging trends in the trade of critical minerals, and how real, community-led climate solutions can open space for meaningful and enduring system change.