Why Geneva's Bold Move Could Change the Future of Our Planet Forever—Are You Ready for the Shocking Truth?

The world is facing a triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. This pressing challenge demands a coordinated global response aimed at transitioning to greener, more resilient, and climate-neutral economies. As nations grapple with the implications of these crises, there arises an opportunity for a just transition—a concept that emphasizes the need to ensure no one is left behind as we move toward environmentally sustainable economies and societies.

According to estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO), over half of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP)—approximately $44 trillion—and more than 1.2 billion jobs in sectors like farming, fisheries, forestry, and tourism are directly dependent on stable ecosystems. Without decisive action against climate change, projections suggest that up to 130 million people could be pushed into poverty within the next decade, spurred by factors like displacement and migration. Moreover, the ILO warns that up to 80 million jobs may be lost due to heat stress by 2030. Thus, a just transition is crucial not only for ambitious climate action but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A just transition is rooted in the labor sector but has broadened to encompass the interests of affected communities and stakeholders. It emphasizes procedural justice, which includes inclusive decision-making processes. Recently, the ILC—International Labour Conference—adopted a Resolution and Conclusions concerning a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all. This resolution promotes the creation of decent work opportunities, aiming to reduce inequality and ensure that no one is left behind. It also addresses the need for effective social dialogue to manage the challenges that may arise during this transition.

The ILO's Guidelines for a Just Transition Towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All outline critical principles that should govern the transition. These include fostering strong social consensus, ensuring respect for fundamental rights at work, recognizing the gender dimensions of environmental challenges, and tailoring policies to specific contexts. Importantly, the guidelines advocate for international cooperation among countries to expedite this shift.

The urgency of a just transition is underscored by the 2030 Sustainable Agenda, which emphasizes leaving no one behind in global development. However, just four years remain to meet the SDGs, and progress has been slow. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a Rescue Plan for People and Planet, which includes the creation of 100 million jobs in green and circular economies by 2030. This job creation is also seen as a buffer against social protection crises, with the potential to fuel a virtuous cycle that enhances resilience and inclusivity.

Moreover, a just transition is intrinsically linked to human rights. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that not only addresses environmental sustainability but also promotes equity and inclusion. The UN Special Rapporteur on climate change and human rights, Elisa Morgera, has highlighted how human rights frameworks can guide the transition, ensuring that the rights of marginalized communities are centered in climate responses.

Significant international efforts are underway to solidify the concept of a just transition within global climate change responses. The Paris Agreement recognizes the importance of ensuring that economic transitions are just and inclusive. Recent COP meetings have further solidified commitments to this end. For instance, at COP26 in 2021, the Glasgow Climate Pact emphasized the need for just transitions that promote sustainable development and decent work. Similarly, COP27 established a work program on just transition pathways, and COP28 launched the UAE Just Transition Work Programme, aimed at making these commitments actionable.

As various sectors adopt policies to address climate change, the potential for both job creation and job displacement exists. The ILO notes that a combined shift to low-carbon and circular economies could create an estimated 100 million jobs by 2030, while at the same time, an estimated 78 million jobs could also be lost without adequate social and economic policies in place. In this context, “green jobs”—defined as decent jobs that contribute to environmental preservation—will be pivotal for achieving a just transition.

Ultimately, the transition toward sustainable economies must prioritize human rights alongside environmental action. The OHCHR and the ILO, along with various UN entities, emphasize the necessity of embedding human rights into the framework of the just transition. As the world moves forward, it is imperative that the policies implemented are not only effective in combating climate change but also equitable and inclusive, ensuring that the benefits of the transition are shared by all.

In summary, the call for a just transition is more than a response to environmental crises; it represents a fundamental commitment to social equity, economic resilience, and the safeguarding of human rights in the face of unprecedented global challenges. The next decade will be critical, as nations must act decisively to create a future that prioritizes both people and the planet.