Laurence Tubiana: Justice must be the cornerstone of clean energy transition

Policies based on the principles of justice should be a top priority during the energy transition, Laurence Tubiana, the Executive Director of the European Climate Foundation, said at the COP29 event "Designing for Justice and Accessibility in the Clean Energy Transition.

According to Report, Tubiana stressed the importance of considering all aspects related to the energy transition, noting that this approach creates a unique opportunity to improve people's well-being on a global scale. She stated that aligning Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with the principles of a just transition is key to simultaneously achieving climate and social equity goals. She noted that governments and international organizations must centrally build energy transition strategies, highlighting the importance of the principles of justice, accessibility, and equality in this process."

Tubiana added that steps must be taken to reduce inequality, taking into account not only the environmental but also the socio-economic consequences of the energy transition.

She said that the fair distribution of costs and benefits, protection of vulnerable groups, and job creation should be key components of this process.

According to Tubiana, when designing and implementing just transition plans, active participation of policymakers and civil society representatives must be ensured, as this approach will not only accelerate the energy transition but also contribute to social equality and justice.