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 editorsKortetmäki, Teea; Timmermann, Cristian; Tribaldos, Theresa

Journal or seriesEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

ISSN2210-4224

eISSN2210-4232

Publication year2025

Publication date15/12/2024

Volume55

Article number100957

PublisherElsevier

Publication countryNetherlands

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2024.100957

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially 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.


Keywordsgreen transitionbiodiversitysustainable developmentglobal justicesocial justiceclimate protection

Free keywordsjust transition; climate justice; biodiversity; planetary boundaries; social minimum; sustainability transitions


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Related projects


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2025

Preliminary JUFO rating2


Last updated on 2025-25-01 at 20:06