About this Research Topic
The concept of the "Just Transition" has gained significant attention in recent years as societies worldwide grapple with the urgent need to address climate change and create sustainable economies. It encompasses the notion of transitioning from high-carbon, environmentally damaging industries towards low-carbon, inclusive, and equitable systems. This Research Topic aims to explore and advance the understanding of the Just Transition process, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions that can guide us towards a sustainable future.
The effects of climate change and ecological degradation are increasingly apparent, while social inequalities and economic disparities persist in many regions. The Just Transition framework seeks to reconcile the urgent need for environmental action with social justice. It aims to ensure that marginalized communities, workers, and vulnerable groups are not adversely affected by the necessary shifts in industries and policies. The Just Transition approach calls for inclusive decision-making processes, fair labour practices, retraining, and the creation of green jobs. This special issue will delve into the diverse aspects of the Just Transition, encouraging interdisciplinary research and promoting practical applications.
The primary aim of this Research Topic is to deepen the scholarly understanding of the Just Transition and provide a platform for diverse perspectives and practical insights. By exploring this multifaceted topic, we aim to:
a) Refine and discuss definitions of the concept and dimensions of the Just Transition and their methodological policy evaluation approaches.
b) Assess the global challenges and opportunities associated with the Just Transition.
c) Examine case studies of successful and ongoing Just Transition initiatives across various sectors and regions.
d) Analyse policy frameworks and institutional mechanisms that support a Just Transition.
e) Explore the social dimensions of the Just Transition, including community involvement and labour market transitions.
f) Investigate the role of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in shaping the Just Transition
g) Address the intersectionality across climate justice, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
h) Identify best practices, lessons learned, and potential barriers in implementing a Just Transition.
This special issue welcomes contributions from researchers, practitioners, and policymakers that span a wide range of disciplines and approaches. We encourage submissions that explore both theoretical and empirical aspects of the Just Transition. Potential areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
a. Case studies highlighting successful or innovative Just Transition initiatives across sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.
b. Analytical and modelling studies that assess the social and economic impacts of transitioning to sustainable practices.
c. Policy and governance frameworks supporting the integration of social justice and environmental sustainability.
d. Community engagement and stakeholder participation methodologies within the Just Transition context.
e. Labor market dynamics and the role of education, training, and re-skilling in ensuring a fair transition for workers.
f. Technological advancements and their potential to facilitate the Just Transition process.
g. Indigenous and local knowledge systems in shaping sustainable and inclusive transition pathways.
h. Challenges and barriers to achieving a Just Transition, along with proposed strategies to overcome them.
i. Theoretical frameworks, conceptual discussions, and critical perspectives contributing to understanding the Just Transition.
j. Regional disparities regarding knowledge, technology, and societal readiness affecting the Just Energy Transition.
By embracing a diverse range of submissions, this special issue will foster rich discussions and inspire actionable strategies necessary for achieving a Just Transition.
The Just Transition presents an opportunity to address both the urgent need for climate action and the pressing need for social justice. This special issue seeks to assemble a collection of high-quality contributions that shed light on the complexities and potential of the Just Transition process.
The effects of climate change and ecological degradation are increasingly apparent, while social inequalities and economic disparities persist in many regions. The Just Transition framework seeks to reconcile the urgent need for environmental action with social justice. It aims to ensure that marginalized communities, workers, and vulnerable groups are not adversely affected by the necessary shifts in industries and policies. The Just Transition approach calls for inclusive decision-making processes, fair labour practices, retraining, and the creation of green jobs. This special issue will delve into the diverse aspects of the Just Transition, encouraging interdisciplinary research and promoting practical applications.
The primary aim of this Research Topic is to deepen the scholarly understanding of the Just Transition and provide a platform for diverse perspectives and practical insights. By exploring this multifaceted topic, we aim to:
a) Refine and discuss definitions of the concept and dimensions of the Just Transition and their methodological policy evaluation approaches.
b) Assess the global challenges and opportunities associated with the Just Transition.
c) Examine case studies of successful and ongoing Just Transition initiatives across various sectors and regions.
d) Analyse policy frameworks and institutional mechanisms that support a Just Transition.
e) Explore the social dimensions of the Just Transition, including community involvement and labour market transitions.
f) Investigate the role of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in shaping the Just Transition
g) Address the intersectionality across climate justice, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
h) Identify best practices, lessons learned, and potential barriers in implementing a Just Transition.
This special issue welcomes contributions from researchers, practitioners, and policymakers that span a wide range of disciplines and approaches. We encourage submissions that explore both theoretical and empirical aspects of the Just Transition. Potential areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
a. Case studies highlighting successful or innovative Just Transition initiatives across sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.
b. Analytical and modelling studies that assess the social and economic impacts of transitioning to sustainable practices.
c. Policy and governance frameworks supporting the integration of social justice and environmental sustainability.
d. Community engagement and stakeholder participation methodologies within the Just Transition context.
e. Labor market dynamics and the role of education, training, and re-skilling in ensuring a fair transition for workers.
f. Technological advancements and their potential to facilitate the Just Transition process.
g. Indigenous and local knowledge systems in shaping sustainable and inclusive transition pathways.
h. Challenges and barriers to achieving a Just Transition, along with proposed strategies to overcome them.
i. Theoretical frameworks, conceptual discussions, and critical perspectives contributing to understanding the Just Transition.
j. Regional disparities regarding knowledge, technology, and societal readiness affecting the Just Energy Transition.
By embracing a diverse range of submissions, this special issue will foster rich discussions and inspire actionable strategies necessary for achieving a Just Transition.
The Just Transition presents an opportunity to address both the urgent need for climate action and the pressing need for social justice. This special issue seeks to assemble a collection of high-quality contributions that shed light on the complexities and potential of the Just Transition process.
Keywords: Just Transition, Just Innovation and Innitiative, Labour Market Dynamics, Technology and the Just Transition, Energy Access and Equity
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
