Just transition has close thematic, procedural, and political links with adaptation and resilience-building. In the context of the persistent rise of residual climate impacts, even if the goals of the Paris Agreement are achieved, there remains a need to scale up adaptation action. Adaptation is framed not only as a necessary response to ongoing climate impacts but also as a proactive component of just transition(s) aligned with development goals. This was highlighted in the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) in accordance with paragraph 2 of decision 3/CMA.5.

Just transition elements should be considered throughout the adaptation policy cycle to ensure that adaptation measures are consistent with just transition(s) and consider aspects of fairness, equity, and social dialogue at all stages of the process. There has been a call for “just adaptation” in the context of transformational adaptation, emphasising systematic shifts in governance, economies, or infrastructure through holistic, deep, rapid and sustained changes as articulated by developing countries.

This position paper aims to consolidate the understanding of just transition and its importance for climate action with a focus on the interconnections with adaptation and resilience-building that are integral to the JTWP. Adaptation and resilience-building measures are a key part of just transition, as climate impacts and climate-related shocks threaten economic transformation and pose a significant challenge to an equitable and inclusive transition.