Just Transition as an Evolving Concept in International Climate Law

Abstract

'Just transition' has grown into an increasingly popular concept in climate policy. During the recent decade, it has been included in both international and national climate law frameworks. The concept, however, has not received much attention from legal scholars. Addressing this gap, this article analyses the meaning and legal implications of just transition, specifically within international climate law. Against this backdrop, it shows that, following the Paris Agreement, just transition has evolved into an increasingly important concept in how climate law principles and obligations are interpreted and developed. It further highlights a substantial evolution of just transition from a labour-centred to a more comprehensive concept that helps underline the importance of implementing climate measures in a way that engages and protects affected and vulnerable people and communities.