Knowledge Tree
Just Transition framework
Also known as: Just Transition policy framework, Just Transition frameworks, Just Transition plan
Facts (19)
Sources
Navigating Tensions in Just Energy Transitions kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu Aug 20, 2025 10 facts
claimThe European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) asserts that the European Union needs to improve its climate change efforts and establish a specific just transition framework, as outlined in their policy brief 'From Paris to Katowice: the EU needs to step up its game on climate change and set its own just transition framework.'
claimA major concern regarding 'Just Transition' frameworks is the tension and trade-offs between different scales of thinking and action, ranging from local to national and international levels.
referenceThe Scottish Government released the 'Draft energy strategy and Just Transition plan' in 2023.
perspectiveThe European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) argues that the European Union needs to improve its climate change efforts and establish a specific 'just transition' framework.
procedureA Just Transition policy framework should establish a clear vision statement and interim targets, including agreement on priority areas and detailed activities across 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year timelines, with accountability assigned to specific policy officials or external stakeholders.
referenceNowakowska, A., A. Rzeńca, and A. Sobol published 'Place-Based Policy in the ‘Just Transition’ Process: The Case of Polish Coal Regions' in the journal Land in 2021.
procedureNational Just Transition frameworks should provide overarching guidelines and funding mechanisms while allowing flexibility for localized adaptations to account for regional disparities in resources, economic structures, and climate vulnerabilities.
claimA primary tension in Just Transition frameworks exists between the speed of climate action, which is often positioned as needing to be fast, and the achievement of just and equitable outcomes, which are understood to require more time.
referenceAtteridge and Strambo (2020) define the 'Just Transition' framework through seven principles: (1) actively encouraging decarbonization, (2) avoiding the creation of carbon lock-in and additional 'losers' in affected sectors, (3) supporting affected regions, (4) supporting workers, their families, and communities affected by closures or downscaling, (5) cleaning up environmental damage while ensuring costs are not transferred from the private to the public sector, (6) addressing existing economic and social inequalities, and (7) ensuring an inclusive and transparent planning process.
claimFacilitating active policy coherence across all policy strands and scales, from local to national, ensures that tensions and trade-offs are managed and co-benefits are realized in Just Transition frameworks.
Realist Review on Just Transition Towards Low Emission, Climate ... link.springer.com Jan 5, 2026 6 facts
claimClimate outcomes in a just transition framework include enhanced climate resilience and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
claimJust transition frameworks prioritize workforce development by ensuring workers acquire relevant skills to transition into new or emerging energy subsectors and job roles.
claimJust transition frameworks focus on increasing the supply of low-emission energy from local systems and the national energy mix, while shifting consumption toward sources like solar and hydropower at both the community and national grid levels.
claimSocial equity and social gain outcomes in a just transition framework include minimized job losses, maximized social and economic decent work gains, increased social equity and gender equality, enhanced respect for human rights, and increased commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
claimJust transition frameworks aim to protect vulnerable workers and communities from negative outcomes by providing support to replace lost income, facilitate re-employment, and reduce additional cost burdens.
claimResearch regarding just transition frameworks in developing countries is significantly less common than research focused on Annex I countries.
Energy Transition Literature - PSU Center for Energy Law and Policy celp.psu.edu May 20, 2024 1 fact
procedureThe just transition framework proposed by Robert Pollin and Brian Callaci for the United States covers three areas: (1) income, retraining, and relocation support for displaced workers; (2) guaranteeing pensions for workers in affected industries; and (3) mounting effective transition programs for fossil fuel-dependent communities.
Just Transition and Equitable Climate Action Resource Center wri.org Apr 24, 2025 1 fact
claimChile incorporated a just transition framework into its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
Energy Equity and Just Transitions understand-energy.stanford.edu 1 fact
claimThe energy equity and just transition framework provides methods to transform technical systems, power structures, goals, and mindsets that cause energy injustice.