Research explores path to a Just Transition for Northern Ireland
Researchers from Northern Ireland’s social policy hub ARK, a joint initiative by Queen’s and Ulster University, have released a new policy brief exploring how a ‘Just Transition’ in Northern Ireland could be achieved.
The policy brief was based on a policy roundtable held with 20 diverse stakeholders in October 2024, made up of participants from the community, voluntary and statutory sectors, government departments, private sector, and academia. Their views, shared under the Chatham House Rule, considered the challenges and opportunities of reaching a net-zero Northern Ireland.
What is a Just Transition?
According to the United Nations Global Compact, ‘a Just Transition ensures that environmentally sustainable economies are promoted in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind. It aims to ensure that the transition to net-zero emissions and climate resilience is orderly, inclusive and just.’
Key recommendations:
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Political will to empower and sustain the Just Transition Commission is essential, as is greater coordination within and between government departments.
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Considering climate change mitigation and adaptation in the context of other policies, from tackling fuel poverty to promoting rural and economic development, is critical.
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The role of universities and civil society in pursuing social, and not just technical, innovation and solutions was emphasised, as was grounding a Just Transition in benefits for local communities.
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Northern’s Ireland’s legacy of addressing conflict demonstrates that challenges and conflicts related to a Just Transition can be tackled.
Dr Jonny Hanson, Research Fellow and ARK Assistant Survey Manager at Queen’s said: “Achieving a Just Transition is one of the most important tasks facing Northern Ireland in the coming years and decades. It requires leadership and investment across all sectors of society, but we must ensure that it works with and for the people of Northern Ireland.”
Professor Ann Marie Gray, ARK Co-Director and Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University commented: “It is vital that policies to bring about a Just Transition ensure that existing patterns of inequalities and injustices are not perpetuated. The discussion at this roundtable showed that there is a willingness to work collaboratively towards this end but efforts need to be underpinned by robust policies and long-term investment.”
This roundtable and policy brief come as the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland seeks public input on the Just Transition Commission’s role in implementing the Climate Change Act 2022, with consultation now opened until January 2025.
For more information, please visit: https://www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/sites/default/files/2024-12/policybrief33.pdf
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