International solidarity for a de-colonised Just Transition: electric vehicles and lithium in Mexico and Europe

Abstract

The term ‘Just Transition’ (JT) gained global prominence through the Silesia Declaration on Solidarity and Just Transition agreed at the 2018 UN Climate Change Conference (COP24). However, there has been a gap in both theory and practice regarding how to develop the global solidarity called for in this declaration. Some have even viewed JT as another form of neo-colonialism, benefitting the Global North through exploiting the Global South. This paper discusses how to avoid perpetuating colonial dynamics through JT by developing worker-led civil society solidarity across the Global North and South. It focusses on Mexico where vast increases in lithium extraction will be necessary to enable the enormous increase in the use of Electric Vehicles proposed for the Global North. While the main beneficiaries of this technology transition will be the companies, governments and consumers of the Global North, the costs will be borne by low-income communities in Mexico, among other Global South localities. Strategies are suggested for a de-colonised JT led by the relevant unions, including car workers.