A1 Journal article (refereed)
Just transition boundaries : Clarifying the meaning of just transition (2025)
Kortetmäki, T., Timmermann, C., & Tribaldos, T. (2025). Just transition boundaries : Clarifying the meaning of just transition. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 55, Article 100957. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2024.100957
The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Kortetmäki, Teea; Timmermann, Cristian; Tribaldos, Theresa
Journal or series: Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions
ISSN: 2210-4224
eISSN: 2210-4232
Publication year: 2025
Publication date: 15/12/2024
Volume: 55
Article number: 100957
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication country: Netherlands
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2024.100957
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99062
Abstract
The rapid expansion of the public discussion and research on just transition implies the risk of watering down either justice or the (eco-)socio-technical transition itself. We create a theoretical notion of just transition boundaries and propose it to help consider non-negotiable limits to just transition discourse and make sense of negotiations within such limits. Just transition boundaries are comprised of ecological and social boundaries. They determine that just transition-processes must bring societies effectively within the safety thresholds of the two most critical planetary boundaries, climate change and biodiversity loss, and must do that by means and supportive measures that protect vulnerable groups from falling or getting stuck below social minimums in those processes. Boundaries leave room for plural values and visions for realizing transitions and remaining within safe thresholds in community-specific conditions. Context-specific additions to what just transition should cover are possible insofar as they do not contradict or risk just transition boundaries. In addition to justifying and conceptualizing just transition boundaries, we reflect on its implications for policymaking and research.
Keywords: green transition; biodiversity; sustainable development; global justice; social justice; climate protection
Free keywords: just transition; climate justice; biodiversity; planetary boundaries; social minimum; sustainability transitions
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Just transition: tackling inequalities on the way to a sustainable, healthy and climate-neutral food system
- Kortetmäki, Teea
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2025
Preliminary JUFO rating: 2