Shaping a just and fair transition to net zero
In recent years, you’ve probably heard the term ‘just transition’ used in the context of reaching net zero, but what does it really mean? Fundamentally, a just transition focuses on making sure that our efforts to tackle climate change don’t end up disempowering groups vulnerable to losing out during a green economy transition, such as already-marginalised groups, poorer people, or workers in a certain industry. Instead, a just transition ensures that the benefits of a new green economy will be shared, with environmental sustainability accompanying decent work, social inclusion and poverty eradication. To end up with a just outcome, it’s also important to have a just process – making engagement and inclusivity in decision-making key.
With COP26 just around the corner, this is an important opportunity to demonstrate to the world the importance of local places in catalysing a green recovery from Covid and a just transition to net zero – and that for communities to adapt and thrive in a climate-changing world, the next phase of decarbonisation needs to put questions of resilience, justice and agency at its heart.
This bundle was created for the 3rd special COP26 edition of our Global Local Recap newsletter. To find out more or sign up (it’s free), please visit this page.
Video: Just transition: putting communities at the heart of the transition to net zero
With COP26 approaching fast, this video explores what a just transition really means, why it is such a crucial topic right now and how local governments can play their part. Watch the video here.
Shaping a just and fair transition: International perspectives think local
The projects, programmes, networks and initiatives discussed in this briefing highlight the vital roles for subnational institutions and actors – particularly local government, who have both a leadership and delivery role, in driving forward climate action. Read this briefing here.
COP26 Workstream
The 26th United Nations Climate Change conference is due to be held in Glasgow, from 31 October – 12 November 2021. What will the themes and outcomes mean for local government? Find all of our coverage and resources here.
Climate commons: putting communities at the heart of the transition to net zero
With the impacts of climate change worsening with every passing year, this briefing draws on two recent reports which explore the challenges facing communities, as well as opportunities of building a local climate commons in the transition to net zero. Read this briefing here.
Opportunities for local government to catalyse inclusive and sustainable economic transitions
In this introductory briefing, Dr Anne Tiernan explores the ideas and identifies the opportunity context that presents for local governments to catalyse and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth, to build on and leverage their strengths, and to attract and retain investment in their communities and places. Click here to read this briefing.
Case Study: The Granite City becomes the Green City – Aberdeen City Council
When Aberdeen City Council was named Local Authority of the Year at the MJ Achievement Awards 2020, judges noted “a pioneering capital programme and significant investments in the social and cultural future of its communities”. In this blog, they talk us through various sustainability initiatives. Read the blog here.
Maximising local socio-economic benefits of low-carbon development through shared learning
This briefing should be of interest to local authorities who want to undertake or encourage low-carbon development without having to rely entirely on corporate (or other private sector) development and the negative local externalities that often accompany it. Read this briefing.
UK City Deals: can we make partnerships and collaboration for climate action fair?
Through engaging with new, original work that explores the climate action credentials of the City and City Region Deals, this briefing will discuss the pros and cons of both collaborative and competitive approaches to subnational development in relation to the climate challenge. Read this briefing.
UK City Deals: key trends, best practice and future opportunities for place-based climate change adaptation
Shaping a just and fair transition through UK City Deals by exploring the key trends, best practices and future opportunities for place-based climate change adaptation in local government. Read this briefing.
