The German Embassy in Port of Spain, in partnership with Climate Analytics, hosted an event on May 13 focusing on "just transition" in the Caribbean.
The German-Caribbean climate talks brought together dignitaries, experts and stakeholders to discuss the importance of advancing a fair, inclusive and green economy throughout the region.
The event underscored the importance of co-operation between Germany and the Caribbean to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
Just transition at COP28
The concept of a just transition was a significant focus at the COP28 climate conference, reflecting its growing importance in global climate policy.
The COP28 package of decisions explicitly noted that the shift away from fossil-fuel energy should happen "in a just, orderly and equitable manner."
The UNFCCC's new Just Transition Work Programme was approved, outlining pathways to achieve the Paris Agreement climate goals while ensuring fairness and equity.
This includes commitments to support workers and communities affected by the transition, with a focus on decent work, quality jobs and social protection.
The term "just transition" originated in the US during the 1970s and 1980s, spearheaded by Tony Mazzocchi of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union.
Mazzocchi proposed a "superfund for workers" to support and retrain those moving out of environmentally hazardous jobs, paralleling the US. Superfund Act of 1980, aimed at cleaning up hazardous waste sites.
This idea has since evolved into a broader framework that seeks to ensure that the shift from a high-carbon to a low-carbon economy is fair and inclusive, addressing the needs and rights of workers, communities and other stakeholders affected by this transition.
At the German-Caribbean climate talks, German Ambassador to TT and special envoy for climate issues in the Caribbean, Dr Christophe Eick, and Climate Analytics Caribbean director Rueanna Haynes provided detailed insights into the concept of just transition as agreed at COP28.
Eick emphasised that a just transition involves moving from a high greenhouse-gas economy to a carbon-neutral one, ensuring no one is left behind.
He highlighted Germany's achievements in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and the role of renewable energy in the country's electricity generation.
Haynes discussed the establishment of the just transition work programme, emphasising the inclusive and participatory approaches needed for a successful transition.
Components of just transition
A just transition encompasses several key components.
Here are the seven components, associated facts from the event and what companies in the Caribbean can do to address each:
Social dialogue and stakeholder engagement
Eick highlighted the importance of co-operative efforts between Germany and the Caribbean, emphasising the need for inclusive dialogue.
During the discussion after the presentations, Marie Louise Norton-Murray, executive director of the European Business Chamber in TT, spoke to the private
