Work

Just Transitions and Human Rights: Rethinking Local Government Responsibilities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This article contributes to literatures on local governments and just transitions by presenting a human rights–grounded framework for just transition and applying it to local governments. The framework holds that individuals have justified claims to protection of their most essential interests when those interests are threatened by climate policies, and it identifies four core responsibilities for local governments in ensuring a just transition: (1) identify transitional injustices, (2) critically scrutinize their moral grounds, (3) take suitable remedial actions when human rights are at risk, and (4) press for external political reforms when necessary powers lie beyond their authority.

Source: Ethics Policy & Environment

DOI: 10.1080/21550085.2026.2651647

Authors: Eric Brandstedt, Georgia de Leeuw

Institution: Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Development and Policies

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas