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Tackling the ever-worsening climate crisis requires fundamental changes to how we live and work in Europe, such as transitioning away from coal, oil and gas consumption towards net-zero greenhouse emissions.
However, these rapid changes will not only impact our environment, but will significantly shape our economies and societies too.
The Just Transition is about making sure that as we work to address the climate challenge and build a greener, more sustainable Europe, the needs of people and communities are not forgotten. Despite commitments from EU policymakers to ‘leave no one behind’ in this transition, the risks of exacerbating existing inequalities are still high and more needs to be done to ensure green and social priorities go hand in hand.
Social Platform calls for a just transition that prioritises both environmental and social objectives, with the aim of building green, sustainable societies that also champion social rights.
Addressing the climate crisis is a win-win for both people and planet; but currently not everyone stands to benefit equally.
Deep socio-economic inequalities in our societies mean that transitioning to a greener Europe may have disproportionate consequences for some.
The Energy Performance of Building Directive risks fuelling the existing housing crisis, with those living in poor quality housing facing increased rents. While ETS2, an effective EU Carbon Tax, will make it disproportionately more difficult for lower income groups to heat their homes, cook their meals and take warm showers.
Marginalised or disadvantaged groups are likely to be less able to adapt quickly to new policies or absorb the impact of any potential economic insecurity. Certain communities, regions and demographics traditionally linked to carbon-heavy industries, such as agriculture, transport and construction are also at risk of being left behind.
To ensure a just transition for all, it is essential that climate and social policy are integrated and given equal consideration in the policymaking process.
Social Platform drives our work on the Just Transition through our Sustainable and Inclusive Working Group, which captures the experiences, challenges and expertise of our members as we navigate the green transition.
Social Platform is calling for better alignment of climate, social and economic policy making. This includes monitoring the implementation of the Social Climate Fund, and other EU funds, to ensure the limited funds available can have the maximum impact in mitigating the consequences to vulnerable groups.
Climate solutions need to be embedded within social justice.
Social Platform has put forward 14 recommendations in a position paper ‘Rebalancing the European Green Deal: Towards a Green and Social Deal’ to proactively address the social dimension of the EU’s Green Deal, making it a priority rather than an afterthought.
The social dimension of climate policies is currently too often an afterthought. The driving force behind the European Green Deal has been the urgency to cut carbon emissions, without due consideration for the fairness of how policies impact vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Read more about our demands below:
Social Platform is a member of the European Alliance for the Just Transition, an informal group of organisations that share a common vision for a transition to climate-neutral societies that is just, fair and benefits all.
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Discover all our work areas
Read about what Social Platform is calling for across different policy areas as well as our advocacy work and activities on each issue.
