Demystifying the 'just transition': How can we ensure no one is left behind

THE concept of a "just transition" is rising in prominence as governments, businesses and civil society alike wake up to the risk of people and communities being "left behind" in a changing world. It is already taking centrestage in the now-inevitable fossil fuel transition, recognising the vulnerability of those involved in or peripheral to the industries past their heyday. Looking beyond the energy sector, it will also be essential in many other interconnected transitions - from how we use land and produce food, to creating circular economies and how we will live in (or even relocate) cities.

The concept comes with great promise. However, conversations and declarations around what a just transition really means have so far focused on the distribution of jobs and/or levies, rather than the deeper opportunity to rewire and reconfigure underlying systems to achieve greater equity, justice and regeneration by placing respect for universal human rights at the heart of transformational work.

This needs to change if we're to genuinely realise a just transition.