Just Transitions and the Future of Law and Regulation

This book explores the tensions between aspirations and entrenched practices in achieving carbon neutrality, highlighting the concept of just transitions as a legal and regulatory bridge to address societal resistance. It examines past and existing practice studies of just transitions and provides an analysis of how they can be used to assist in the shift to carbon neutrality and address future global challenges.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

National and international efforts to achieve carbon neutrality have gained significant attention in recent years, driven by the need to meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement and address the needs of the planet. However, as methods to implement carbon neutrality are devised, tensions between aspirations and entrenched practices have emerged, particularly at the national and sub-national levels. This book explores the concept of just transitions as a legal and regulatory bridge to address issues that result in societal resistance to implementation. It examines past and existing practice studies of just transitions and provides an analysis of how just transitions can be used to assist in the shift to carbon neutrality, as well as in new shifts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic impacts on economy, environment, and society, and to address future global challenges.

The book begins by examining the historical context of carbon neutrality and the Paris Agreement. It highlights the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 to mitigate the impacts of climate change. It then discusses the various methods that have been proposed to achieve carbon neutrality, including carbon pricing, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon capture and storage.

One of the key challenges facing the implementation of carbon neutrality is the tension between aspirations and entrenched practices. As societies strive to reduce their carbon footprint, they are often faced with the challenge of transitioning from "dirty" energy production, such as coal, to greener alternatives, which are often supported in laws and rules but opposed by society. This tension is particularly evident in the energy sector, where the transition to renewable energy has been slow and uneven.

To bridge this void, the concept of just transitions has increasingly come to the forefront of international and national focus. Just transitions are defined as the process of ensuring that the benefits of the transition to a low-carbon economy are shared fairly and equitably among all stakeholders, including workers, communities, and the environment. They involve a range of measures, such as job creation, training, and social protection, to help workers transition to new jobs and industries.

The book examines the ways in which just transitions have been proposed as a legal and regulatory bridge to address issues that result in societal resistance to implementation. It uses past and existing practice studies of just transitions before providing an analysis of how just transitions can be used to assist in the shift to carbon neutrality. It highlights the importance of involving all stakeholders in the transition process, including workers, communities, and the environment, and of ensuring that the benefits of the transition are shared fairly and equitably.

The book also discusses the challenges that have been faced in implementing just transitions. One of the main challenges is the lack of funding and resources. Many countries and communities lack the resources to invest in the necessary infrastructure and technologies to transition to a low-carbon economy. This has led to a situation where the benefits of the transition are not being shared fairly and equitably among all stakeholders.

Another challenge is the political resistance to implementing just transitions. Many governments and industries are opposed to the transition to a low-carbon economy, as it may lead to job losses and economic disruption. This political resistance has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to a global economic crisis and has made it difficult for governments to invest in the necessary infrastructure and technologies.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a range of solutions. One of the key solutions is to increase funding and resources for just transitions. This can be done through government grants, private investments, and international cooperation. Governments can also implement policies that support just transitions, such as carbon pricing, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

In addition, the book proposes that just transitions should be integrated into all aspects of society, including the economy, the environment, and the social sphere. This can be done through the development of new policies and regulations, as well as through the promotion of social and cultural change.

Finally, the book proposes that just transitions should be monitored and evaluated to ensure that they are achieving their goals. This can be done through the use of indicators and metrics, such as greenhouse gas emissions, job creation, and social protection.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive assessment of how national and international efforts to achieve carbon neutrality have been embraced as necessary to meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement and the needs of the planet. It explores the increasing tensions between aspirations and entrenched practices as methods to implement carbon neutrality are devised, particularly at the national and sub-national levels. It proposes a range of solutions to address these challenges, including increasing funding and resources, implementing policies that support just transitions, integrating just transitions into all aspects of society, and monitoring and evaluating just transitions to ensure that they are achieving their goals. By implementing these solutions, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031061844
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022