Why just transition is the opposite of net zero: Just transition is anything but vague. Complex, yes. Controversial, maybe. But certainly not vague.

This week, we are continuing our analysis of climate change and climate justice. This week’s reading is from the Just Transition Alliance. In full disclosure, I am friends with one of the authors Jose, Bravo, and have worked with him on environmental justice advocacy campaigns. While we often hear the term “net-zero” as a means to mitigate climate change, is it a solution that will center those most disproportionately impacted, or is it considered a false solution? We hope that this week’s reading will provide new or enhanced insight into ways society can address climate change.

Excerpt: “Throughout the 1960s, '70s and '80s, just transition evolved through dialogue between communities of color and labor organizers on the frontlines of extractive industries threatening community and worker health, our ecological life-support systems and Indigenous land defense. Where Black, brown, Indigenous, migrant and poor white communities were fighting polluting energy, petrochemical and waste corporations, industrial workers and their unions were often pitted against our communities by corporations using the false binary debate of jobs versus environment.”

Citation: Lee, P. T., Campbell, D. W., & Bravo, J. (2022). Why just transition is the opposite of net zero. Green Biz. https://www.greenbiz.com/article/why-just-transition-opposite-net-zero