Policy Brief: Just Transition in South Asia

In this context, climate activists and governments primarily focus on the concept of ‘Energy Transition’ within the framework of just transition. Although energy is at the center-point to shift towards zero emission, conservation of ecology and biodiversity, rights to land, clean air and water, gender diversity, Indigenous community, and people with disabilities, holding human rights at the center of development, moving from a profit-driven to a welfare economy, democratisation of the access to the resources and equitable resource distribution is equally important.

Changes in policies, institutions, and financial mechanisms are also crucial for transition. Considering the depth of the term, SAJTA defines Just Transition as transforming society, the environment, and the economy towards zero emissions, grounded in intergenerational justice, respecting equal rights, fair accounting of costs, and an equitable distribution of benefits among communities.