Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 6, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: ""Just transition" means a transition that ensures the economic, environmental and social consequences of the ecological transformation of economies and societies are managed in ways that maximise opportunities of decent work for all, reduce inequalities, promote social justice, and support industries, workers and communities negatively affected, in accordance with nationally defined priorities, and based on effective social dialogue;".

Amendment No. 1, in the name of my party colleague, Deputy Whitmore, provides a much-needed definition of just transition. Amendment No. 17 proposes a requirement "to facilitate and support initiatives undertaken by communities or organisations which promote the principles of a just transition and climate justice".

It is regrettable that we do not yet have a definition of just transition in our legislation. Without a legal definition, it is difficult to see how we can achieve a fair and just transition as we move towards a zero-carbon economy, or how we can hold the Government of the day to account for its climate actions. To put it simply, a just transition is a movement towards a new, greener, sustainable economy that is achieved in as fair and inclusive a way as possible for everyone concerned, particularly those most vulnerable to the transition to a zero-carbon economy and those most vulnerable to climate change itself.

The idea of a circular economy in the current economic context is positive, but we must be cognisant of, and focused on, how this new economy will treat people, particularly the most vulnerable in our society. It is a question of whether we include them or view them as passive actors during the course of the transition. We have a chance to adopt a more holistic transitional approach for people in poverty or with a disability, recognising the opportunity to drive social change along with climate action.

Deputy Whitmore attempted to secure a legal definition of just transition throughout the course of the debate on the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and by way of her own legislation, which she introduced last year. She also proposed to include the definition on Committee Stage of this Bill but, again, it was rejected by the Government. We can no longer separate the environment from how we live. We cannot separate it from every single element that impacts us, including food costs, fuel costs and travel. Our response must be cross-cutting and the legislation and policies we develop must take into account all of those other aspects.

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