Authors: Rachel Forbes, Cristina Gomez-Vidal, Joonmo Kang & Amy Krings
Abstract: The transition toward a renewable energy future poses significant ethical challenges that demand careful consideration by social workers. We argue that the principles and goals of the just transition and human rights frameworks offer a helpful approach for social workers to focus their attention on the justice and equity dimensions of climate change, mitigation, and adaptation. Key priorities for a just transition include the need for ethical and inclusive decision-making processes that ensure equity in the distribution of the benefits and burdens and attention to systemic injustices. Proactive policies that prioritize social and economic justice, coupled with an intersectional approach, can mitigate the ethical challenges associated with the transition. A just transition must especially prioritize the inclusion of communities of color and vulnerable populations in decision-making processes to address historical disparities and prevent the perpetuation of environmental inequalities associated with fossil fuel extraction and production. The implementation of a just transition requires a delicate balance between environmental goals and the socioeconomic well-being of communities. By integrating ethical considerations, acknowledging cultural ties to industries, and fostering a transition that is both economically and socially equitable, we can aspire to a future that upholds the principles of justice and sustainability. A just transition away from fossil fuels unearths competing demands faced by individuals based on their positionality within communities. The role of social workers is more important than ever in navigating the ethical dilemmas that arise from the just transition. Social workers have the ability to guide community-centered decision-making processes, prioritize local perspectives in shaping the transition, and facilitate access to training opportunities, equipping community members with skills necessary for new employment opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.
Citation: Forbes, R., Gomez-Vidal, C., Kang, J. et al. Applying a Human Rights Framework to the Just Transition: Implications for Social Work. J. Hum. Rights Soc. Work (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-024-00357-5
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