Just Transition Research Group

The UCD Earth Institute's Just Transition Research Group (JTRG) aims to build a national and international research network for promoting peer-to-peer learning of concerned, interested, and affected stakeholders for generating knowledge, debate, discussions, policy suggestions, and practical examples for a Just Transition. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of the present day. Addressing climate change requires countries to move away from the use of fossil fuels in energy production, transport, fashion, construction, petrochemicals, and other industries that are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Such technological changes will impact the economy and society as a whole and proper guidance is required to develop policies that will reduce or ameliorate any negative impacts. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy will require transformative changes in technology, society, human behaviour, and institutional practices. However, decarbonisation can also lead to job loss and socio-economic deterioration. The JTRG aims to close the gap in understanding of how a low-carbon transition can occur that is rooted in justice and fairness so that no one is left behind and that the benefits and burdens of decarbonizing society are shared equitably.