A Just Transition – how do we make it happen?

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened COP 27 telling world leaders that the “global climate fight will be won or lost in this crucial decade.” Confronting the climate crisis requires decisive, coherent action with significant impacts on workers, communities, industries and regions. 

In the latest episode of the UN Global Compact Academy Changemaker series, the Executive Director & CEO of the UN Global Compact, Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, sat down with Sharan Burrow, the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, to talk about what a Just Transition means for companies and how business leaders can help make it happen. According to the International Labour Organization, a just transition means greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind.

In her role at the International Trade Union Confederation, Sharan Burrow represents 200 million workers worldwide and US$45 trillion of worker’s capital. With her background as a teacher and educator, she has a unique perspective on the human aspects of what it will take to drive transformative change.

Five key takeaways from the conversation:

1. A true “just transition” will be the key to climate salvation. It will take all of us. You must put people and the planet at the centre of our economic models and build those new economic models together. 
2. 3 out of 4 workers want companies to be transparent about their plans for climate-proofing the workplace, including the expected impacts and changes for their employees. 
3. Businesses spend ~$90 billion a year on auditing. A more sustainable solution is grounded in social dialogue –talking to your workforce, community and government.
4. Just transition is about security. You need secure pensions, a bridge to pensions for older workers to retire early, and reskilling and redeployment support for younger workers.
5. Succeeding companies are optimizing social, economic and employment impacts on the journey to net-zero emissions and environmental sustainability, engaging in dialogue with their workers and agreeing on transparency regarding climate and employment-proofing their workplaces.

Watch the full episode here or listen to our conversation by clicking this link. 

Want to learn more about how to enable a Just Transition? Download new guidance from the UN Global Compact Think Lab on Just Transition: Introduction to Just Transition: A Business Brief as well as their latest business brief on Just Transition for Climate Adaptation.

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The Academy Changemaker series provides an opportunity for companies worldwide to learn from and connect with some of the most innovative and influential people working in or with business to make the world a better place. Join these sessions to understand trends, new ideas, and innovative strategies for corporate action in an ever-evolving sustainability landscape, and leave with key takeaways to apply in your own company. 

Sign up for our next Academy changemaker session on 14 December, featuring Solange Ribeiro, Deputy CEO of Neoenergia and Co-Vice-Chair to the Board of the UN Global Compact, on innovation, impact and inclusion.