1.4 Enabling a Just Transition

Introduction

Moving away from a carbon-intensive and environmentally destructive model of living is necessary if we are to confront and adapt to the threat of climate change. However, decarbonisation will involve significant, unprecedented shifts in our economy and society. Consequently, nearly two-thirds of the UK public (64%) believe that their communities will be ‘left behind’ as we tackle the climate crisis. By centring the perspectives of those most impacted, the concept of a ‘Just Transition’ seeks to ensure that the transformation to a sustainable low-carbon world is fair, with the costs and rewards shared out equitably at local, national and global levels.

Climate change and climate policy will be more disruptive in some places compared to others, due to factors such as economic dependency on high-carbon sectors or relative levels of deprivation. A Just Transition must therefore be place-based, i.e.responsive to the specific needs of specific communities. Local authorities are closely connected to communities, businesses, and individuals. Through powers in areas such as jobs and skills, planning, and transport, they are well-positioned to make the Just Transition a reality.

Transition is inevitable but justice isn’t guaranteed, especially for those currently employed in high-carbon industries. Past economic transitions characterised by rapid technological change have had immense impacts on labour markets. Job displacement and loss of livelihoods is common during these periods, which can increase inequality and social discord. Combined with the threat to jobs posed by automation, via new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the low-carbon transition could be costly for workers. It is estimated that 6.3 million UK jobs (roughly 1 in 5) will be directly affected by the transition; some will see increased demand, while others will require significant reskilling for the green economy.

Protecting well-paid green jobs

Deliberate action is required to actively prioritise the creation and protection of well-paid, unionised green jobs, as well as providing pathways for workers to move into them. This is emphasised in the final report of the government’s Green Jobs Task Force, which states that:

“Building clear, accessible and lifelong pathways into good green careers is fundamental to the UK realising a sustainable and just transition”

Confirming this, a recent survey of oil and gas workers in the UK found that over 80% would consider moving to a job outside the sector if credible alternatives existed. More than 50% said they would be interested in retraining within the sector to work in renewable energy instead.

Local authorities can play a critical role in building green skills and jobs. They can work with schools and colleges to establish green apprenticeships and re-/upskilling opportunities so that individuals are equipped to adapt as the economy changes. They can engage businesses, particularly SMEs, and support them to go green. Local authorities can also assess local economic assets and help build new supply chains.

A Just Transition framework

Jobs aren’t the only focus. A Just Transition framework integrates the social, economic and environmental aspects of climate change; it aims to create communities that are not only ecologically resilient and environmentally friendly, but are fairer and more dignified, too. In other words, co-benefits are inherently intertwined with delivering a Just Transition. Low-income and other vulnerable groups face disadvantages when it comes to air quality, energy costs, mobility and access to green space. By addressing issues like pollution, fuel poverty and inadequate public transport through the lens of a Just Transition, local authorities can ensure that everyone – and not a select few – experiences multiple benefits. Whether it’s facilitating the move to electric vehicles or opening a community garden, authorities can use climate projects to remedy existing social inequalities and prevent future ones – organisations such as Transition Network are already doing so.

A Just Transition is an effective transition. According to the Climate Change Committee:

“Only a transition that is perceived as fair, and where people, places and communities are well supported, will succeed”.

Creating positive opportunities for renewal will secure the essential support needed for the changes to come. Local authorities must ask ‘who is affected and how?’ and should co-design initiatives to implement in partnership with grassroots communities themselves. The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic – including the importance of ‘the local’ and the impact of socio-economic disparities – will propel the idea of the Just Transition forward, as will the government’s complementary Levelling Up agenda.

A better future is possible for both people and planet; a Just Transition has the potential to deliver it.