Developing states and labor activists are urgently calling for a fair global transition away from fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for a solid UN plan to ensure international support. Trade unionists and campaigners are advocating for fair treatment of workers affected by the shift from planet-heating fossil fuels, pinning their hopes on next year’s UN climate summit in Brazil after a disappointing outcome at COP29 in Azerbaijan.
Global Shift in Employment
As the world moves towards cleaner energy sources, the nature of employment is undergoing significant changes. This shift from coal mines and oil refineries to clean technology sectors will lead to job losses in some industries while creating opportunities in others. Clean technology supply chains will present both risks and benefits, impacting communities where these changes take place.
Call for Just Transition
Governments at the 2022 COP27 climate summit launched a “Just Transition Work Programme” (JTWP) to address the challenges arising from the transition to renewable energy. However, discussions on the implementation of the program were inconclusive at COP29, with the focus shifting to climate finance for developing countries.
Expert Perspectives
Bert De Wel, from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), criticized COP29 as a missed opportunity to prioritize just transition for workers. He highlighted the neglect of labor rights in UN talks, stressing the importance of including workers’ interests in climate policies.
Kenya’s Fatuma Hussein emphasized the need for developed countries to address finance, international cooperation, and adaptation in the context of just transition. She warned that overlooking these crucial aspects would undermine the goals of the Paris Agreement and hinder progress towards a sustainable future.
Challenges and Recommendations
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that transitioning to renewable energy could lead to job losses but create new opportunities by 2030. The organization advocates for economic, environmental, and social policies to facilitate a smooth transition, emphasizing the importance of education and training for all stakeholders.
Climate campaigners and labor activists had hoped for concrete steps at COP29 to support just transition efforts. However, the lack of agreement on a work plan for governments to address the social impacts of the transition left many disappointed.
In conclusion, the urgency for a just transition towards renewable energy is evident, with the upcoming COP30 in Brazil seen as a crucial opportunity to prioritize workers’ rights and community well-being. As the world strives for a sustainable future, collaboration and inclusivity in climate policies are essential to ensure a fair and equitable transition for all.