Climate Change Actions and Just Transition

Abstract

This paper elaborates the progress of the studies and negotiations on a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent and quality jobs, in the context of implementing response measures under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Just transition in essence deals with the employment issues, thus the impact of climate change policies on employment should be understood in the first place. Low-carbon development refers to a development path to low-carbon economic growth by phasing out fossil fuels, with the objective of achieving sustainable development while fighting climate change. Adjustments in the industry structure and energy structure will not only have an impact on the employment scale and structure but also generate new demand for job skills. In order to achieve just transition in implementing climate policies, China should promote targeted research, create more low-carbon jobs by increasing green investment, and pay special attention to people who lose their jobs due to the implementation of climate policies and keep them from falling into poverty.