A sustainable future depends on a strong and resilient workforce. Just Transition policies aim to ensure that workers currently employed in the fossil fuel industries (and the communities where they reside) are not left behind by the transition to renewable energy sources. This shift is anticipated to create a significant number of jobs, but it’s important that people who have historically relied on the fossil fuel industry are not left behind.

In service of this goal, Just Transition policies may include job retraining and/or upskilling programs, investment in new industries, severance taxes, and more. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the best combination of policies will depend on the regions’ specific social, economic, and cultural factors. In this and any policy effort, it’s important to center the specific people and communities most affected.

To learn more about Just Transition efforts and some examples of them in practice, visit the “Definition” and “Action” links below.