“Energy won't end poverty, but we can't end poverty without energy." We can’t forget about the communities and people that will be affected by the energy transition. The concept of “just transition” has been around since the 1980s, when it was used in a movement by US trade unions to protect workers affected by new water and air pollution regulations.  In recent years, the concept has gained traction with reference to meeting climate goals by ensuring the whole of society – all communities, all workers, all social groups – are brought along in the pivot to a net-zero future. The International Labor Organization (ILO) defines it this way: “Greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind.” These are the conversations that are sometimes uncomfortable but we must learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable if we are to find common ground. You can’t leave sustainable development goals behind while battling greenhouse gas emission. The future of energy means a more equitable distribution of affordable and low-carbon energy for all humans on the planet. In this episode we talk to Ean Tafoya of the Colorado chapter of GreenLatinos.

References:

US Department of Labor Just Transition https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/just-transition

Green Latinos https://www.greenlatinos.org/