Integration of Just Transition Strategies into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Climate policies have traditionally emphasized economic and technical effectiveness, often overlooking their social impacts. Recently, the concept of just transition has emerged as a significant approach to support countries to assist countries in minimising the adverse effects of the transition and maximising its benefits, ultimately enabling more ambitious climate actions. Despite the adoption of just transition by some countries, research on its integration into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) remains limited. This study developed a just transition framework that interconnects five justice dimensions with a set of core just transition elements and actions, using it as a benchmark to analyse NDCs of G20 members, Kenya, and Nigeria, and conducting case studies for Canada, Mexico, Nigeria, and the UK. The findings highlight several pivotal factors, including the need for countries to adopt a comprehensive understanding of just transition, better acknowledge existing inequalities, take concrete actions to identify vulnerability, improve mechanisms for policy integration and synergy, and establish legal and institutional frameworks. Additionally, ensuring meaningful public engagement and bridging the gap between policy commitments and practical application are crucial. Moreover, applying restorative justice to redress historical climate damages and achieving a global consensus on the meaning of fairness are vital. Improvements to the UNFCCC reporting framework, mandating just transition in NDCs, are also essential. This research underscores the heightened challenges faced by developing countries in implementing just transition, necessitating increased attention to integrating just transition strategies into NDCs and effective policy implementation.

Author dc:creator

• Xiaoling Yu 1977-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskóli Íslands

• Umhverfis- og auðlindafræði
• Umhverfisstefna
• Réttlæti

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1946/44028

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/44028