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SEI report

Seven principles to realize a just transition to a low-carbon economy

This policy report presents basic tenets that define a just transition. It suggests ways to implement these components into policy and practice. The report emphasizes that regions facing decarbonization can and must prepare for inevitable change on the horizon with critical investments, policy reforms and inclusive dialogue.

Aaron Atteridge, Claudia Strambo / Published on 15 June 2020
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Citation

Atteridge, A. and Strambo, C. (2020). Seven principles to realize a just transition to a low-carbon economy. SEI policy report. Stockholm Environment Institute, Stockholm.

Two coal miners in mine shaft

Coal miners at work. Photo: Tyler Stableford / Getty Images

The “just transition” concept captures a full sweep of issues that raise fundamental questions about matters of fairness surfacing in the global shift to a low-carbon economy – particularly for people and regions that now depend on carbon-intensive industries and sectors.

This policy report puts forward seven principles that are essential components of a just transition. The report, which also offers ways to integrate principles into policy, is based on an analysis of related literatures and historic case studies of similar economic disruptions.

The report underscores that to achieve equity aims, all principles should be pursued in parallel, not selectively. At the same time,the authors argue that nothing justifies postponing the first principle: the decarbonization imperative. Delays that leave regions behind as decarbonization accelerates across the globe are inherently unjust – as are the ramifications of unchecked climate change itself.

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Read the policy report / PDF / 879 KB

SEI authors

Aaron Atteridge
Aaron Atteridge

SEI Affiliated Researcher

SEI Asia

Claudia Strambo
Claudia Strambo

Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

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SEI Headquarters

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