To achieve the global climate targets set forth in the Paris Agreement, a green transition to a net-zero future is essential. However, if the necessary socioeconomic transformation is poorly handled, it could lead to greater social inequality, exclusion, discontent, and less competitive enterprises, industries, and markets. Nation-states’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Strategies (LTS), which outline their short- and long-term climate strategies, are increasingly recognizing these concerns and taking measures to incorporate a just and equitable transformation of their economy.
Although the idea of a just transition is frequently used to promote social justice and equity in climate action, there is no single definition that is agreed upon globally, and perceptions differ among nations and regions. Just transition is mainly about concept, procedure, and practice, according to UNDP. Therefore, the framework for UNDP’s assistance entails raising country knowledge of the fundamentals of a just transition, enhancing their capacity to participate in just transition processes, and creating capacity to put just transition practices into effect.
According to a UNDP analysis, as of October 31, 2022, 38% of NDCs, 56% of LTS, and an increasing number of high-profile international projects included just transition principles. But there is still work to be done.
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