Published Online:April 2025
Product Name:The IUP Journal of International Relations
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJIR050425
DOI:10.71329/IUPJIR/2025.19.2.79-133
Author Name:Rafael Leal-Arcas, Nada Altheyab, Ghada AlFraih, Rana Alhanaya and Moaz Alshehri
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Arts and Humanities
Download Format:PDF
Pages:79-133
This paper explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a low-carbon economy, emphasizing the importance of equitable measures for affected stakeholders. The urgent nature of decarbonization necessitates swift action, yet involves risks undermining livelihoods, exacerbating inequalities, and destabilizing communities reliant on carbon-intensive industries. The concept of “just transition,” rooted in labor union movements and recognized internationally through the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and International Labor Organization guidelines, provides a framework for addressing these socioeconomic concerns. The paper argues that reform of global economic institutions is imperative to achieve a just transition to a low-carbon future, and offers a comprehensive road map for a just, effective, and inclusive low-carbon future.
The shift to a low-carbon energy system is already in progress in several nations, areas, and economic sectors, and there are indications that it could pick up speed.1 Although this momentum is encouraging in light of climate change, it also begs whether a low-carbon transition would benefit all parties involved. For example,