While the decarbonisation of the global economy is necessary to achieve more sustainable and climate resilient cities, it is also disruptive and costly for social groups already at risk. Climate policies and their social impact have become increasingly evident in recent years, further enhancing tensions between social justice and environmental sustainability goals.
Taking into account the climate risks together with its social consequences, there is a pressing need to find new solutions. Acknowledging the key political and environmental moment for cities to initiate their transitions and building on the experience of UIA funded project, UIA is leading a two-year knowledge activity to further explore how cities can facilitate the just transitions so that no one is left behind.
It is crucial to bring forward practical interventions and results that can inspire and foster locally-based transitions in EU cities. The identified good practices, approaches and tools as well as the lessons learned, will provide support to urban practitioners and managing authorities of mainstream programmes that face the challenges of implementing Just Transitions in their territories.
Background
The approach to the analysis focusing on how cities can facilitate the just transitions so that no one is left behind is available in the inception report, jointly written by UIA experts Eddy Adams, Marcelline Bonneau and Birgit Georgi.
While the transition concern all sectors of the economy and society, three main challenges stand out and will be analysed:
Skills for a green future
Addressing the potential labour market impacts of the climate neutral transition is central to the European Green Deal. UIA cities are testing solutions to mitigate the impact of job losses and to support industry adaptation and the growth of new climate neutral industry sectors. The question of skills sits at the heart of their sustainable urban development strategies: what future skills will be required and how we can equip our citizens with them - both now and in the future?
Authors: Eddy Adams, Constantinos Cartalis, Simone D’Antonio and Ronald Lievens
Latest news and publications
- Inception report executive summary
- How can UIA cities inspire others to promote jobs and skills for Just Transitions?
Make the transitions affordable for all
One of the main questions relating to sustainable transitions is “how to leave no one behind”? Indeed, rebound effects of decarbonising policies can be strong on socio-economic inequalities, preventing access to green technologies and services to vulnerable groups.
Democratic transition for all
Given that the necessary systemic change will affect all stakeholders and population groups in one or another way, their active involvement in decision, policy-making and implementation is essential, in particular, when following the intention that climate neutrality shall be achieved by Just Transitions leaving nobody behind. A broad participation of all stakeholders and the public is required with deep partnerships, new forms of co-creation and more citizen control. The activity will analyse how UIA projects deliver models for co-creation supporting a democratic transition for all, with a specific focus on societal innovation.
Process
Analysing the challenges, activities, results and lessons from UIA cities in relation to Just Transitions involve mapping the most relevant cities and projects, both from UIA and beyond. A team of UIA experts is leading on the process which also includes city hearings, together with UIA city representatives.
Furthermore, the input of key witnesses from various organisations (including European Commission DGs and relevant European organisations) helps provide context and synergies. The overall process will generate in-depth analysis, case studies and recommendations of use for policy-makers at city and EU level as well as those responsible for local level implementation.
The team of UIA experts is composed of Eddy Adams, Marcelline Bonneau and Birgit Georgi (lead experts), Simone d’Antonio, Constantinos Cartalis, Alessandro Coppola, Ian Graham, Ronald Lievens, Ileana Toscano, Peter Ramsden and Maria Sitzoglou.
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