Governing the global just transition from fossil fuels to clean energy

Policy Brief

As part of a global just transition, there is an urgent need for equity-based parameters for the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels and the accompanying phase-in of renewable energy. COP30 must convert the broad mandate to “transition away from fossil fuels” into a concrete, equitable just transition governance framework that simultaneously phases out fossil supply and demand and phases in renewable, nature-positive, people-centred energy systems in a fair and equitable manner. The EU has a key role to play to keep ambition high, promote justice and support actionable measures.  

In this policy brief, experts Celine Charveriat and Pierre Leturcq propose two equity “litmus tests” to assess outcomes in Belém: 

1. Are COP30 outcomes based on a common understanding of just transition corridors

Just transition cannot dilute science-based end dates for fossil fuels or license new expansion. Instead, just transition corridors must respect scientific thresholds, comply with the ruling of the International Court of Justice and other relevant obligations of international law, as well as with social floors operationalised through SDGs. Finally, they must be based on first best policies. 

2. Do COP30 outcomes include an actionable plan for the phase out of fossil fuels and phase in of renewables, based on distributive, procedural and restorative justice?

The global just transition must distribute benefits and burdens fairly (within and among countries and amongst generations) and guarantee inclusive decision-making (workers, Indigenous Peoples, affected communities), with transparent monitoring and grievance redress, as well as repair historic harms.

The authors then provide concrete policy proposals that the EU and the COP30 Presidency should champion to break the deadlocks in negotiations, rebuild trust among parties, and accelerate the delivery of just climate action for all. Proposals include setting clear and ambitious fossil fuel phase-out timelines, phasing out all forms of fossil fuel subsidies, establishing a Just Transition Match-Making Facility and improving Just Energy Transition Plans.

We launched this policy brief at the seminar “EU and Brazilian perspectives on a Just Transition match-making platform for COP30“, which took place one month before the COP 30 in Brasilia.