Advancing the Just Transition: Navigating Towards a Sustainable Future

The concept of the "Just Transition" has emerged as a pivotal framework in the global discourse on climate change and sustainable development. As the world faces the dual challenges of environmental degradation and persistent social inequalities, the Just Transition seeks to harmonize the shift from high-carbon industries to sustainable, low-carbon economies with the principles of social justice. This approach emphasizes the importance of ensuring that marginalized communities, workers, and vulnerable groups are not left behind in the transition to greener economies. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of the Just Transition to create inclusive decision-making processes, promote fair labor practices, and generate green jobs. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding the practical implementation of these principles across different sectors and regions. While some progress has been made, there is a pressing need for interdisciplinary research to address the complexities and challenges inherent in achieving a Just Transition.

This research topic aims to deepen the scholarly understanding of the Just Transition by exploring its multifaceted dimensions and providing a platform for diverse perspectives and practical insights. The primary objectives include refining the definitions and methodologies associated with the Just Transition, assessing global challenges and opportunities, examining successful case studies, and analyzing policy frameworks that support this transition. Additionally, the research will investigate the social dimensions, technological innovations, and intersectionality of climate justice, environmental sustainability, and social equity. By addressing these areas, the research seeks to identify best practices, lessons learned, and potential barriers to implementing a Just Transition.

To gather further insights into the Just Transition, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• case studies highlighting successful or innovative Just Transition initiatives across sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction
• analytical and modeling studies assessing the social and economic impacts of transitioning to sustainable practices
• policy and governance frameworks supporting the integration of social justice and environmental sustainability
• community engagement and stakeholder participation methodologies within the Just Transition context
• labor market dynamics and the role of education, training, and re-skilling in ensuring a fair transition for workers
• technological advancements and their potential to facilitate the Just Transition process
• indigenous and local knowledge systems in shaping sustainable and inclusive transition pathways
• challenges and barriers to achieving a Just Transition, along with proposed strategies to overcome them
• theoretical frameworks, conceptual discussions, and critical perspectives contributing to understanding the Just Transition
• regional disparities regarding knowledge, technology, and societal readiness affecting the Just Energy Transition.

Keywords: Just Transition, Just Innovation and Innitiative, Labour Market Dynamics, Technology and the Just Transition, Energy Access and Equity

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.