Just Transition, Its Origins, Evolution, and Core Principles: An Assessment from a Climate Justice Perspective

Just Transition and Climate Justice

Abstract

Just transition is a concept that encompasses not only the technical and economic aspects of shifting to low-carbon economies, but also its social and ethical dimensions. This review aims to examine the historical roots, core principles, international policy frameworks, and current debates on just transition in Türkiye from the perspectives of climate justice and public health.

The concept first emerged in the 1970s, when trade unions called for fair solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of environmental policies on workers, and has since expanded to include climate justice, social equity, and environmental sustainability. The institutionalization of just transition in international literature has been driven by the International Labour Organization’s guidelines and the Paris Agreement; however, implementation has often remained limited to employment and economic adjustment policies. Yet, the essence of just transition lies in centering equality, participation, reparation/compensation, and recognition justice, thereby making transition processes inclusive and justice oriented.

In Türkiye, just transition debates are relatively new and have gained visibility mainly within the context of alignment with the European Green Deal. In official documents, the concept is largely approached through a top-down, technocratic perspective, while the participation of trade unions, civil society, and health organizations remains limited. In contrast, academic studies and civil society initiatives emphasize that transition cannot be confined to energy and environmental policies alone; it must also integrate labour law, social protection, gender equality, and public health dimensions. Discussions around coal phase-out highlight that transition is not only about employment losses but also about violations of the right to health, environmental exposures, and the living conditions of local communities.

In conclusion, achieving a just transition in Türkiye requires policies that safeguard public health and social equity alongside environmental goals. Effective participation of labour movements, local communities, and health organizations in decision-making, compensation of job losses through social policies, and systematic assessment of health impacts within transition plans are essential. In this way, just transition can evolve beyond a technical strategy into a transformative vision that prioritizes public health and social justice.