The NERI webinar 'Four Case Studies on Just Transition: Lessons for Ireland' took place on Wednesday 28th April, 2021 at 15:00. Sinéad Mercier, consultant on Climate Change and Just Transition law presented and NERI economist, Paul Goldrick-Kelly responded.
These case studies were a contribution to the March 2020 National Economic and Social Council Report 'Addressing Employment Vulnerability as Part of a Just Transition in Ireland', described as a 'contemporary candidate' for the Whitaker Report by President Michael D. Higgins.
As other countries begin their transitions, Ireland can serve as an international example of a proactive, inclusive and place-based just transition to an economy that operates within environmental and social limits.
An analysis of transitions away from fossil-fuel-based regional employment in Australia’s Latrobe Valley, Scotland’s Just Transition Commission and Germany’s Ruhr Valley and Lausitz/Lusatia finds that an inclusive, iterative, place-based, context-specific approach enabled by public investment provides the best outcomes, including the creation of low-carbon employment alternatives.
Biography for Sinéad Mercier:
Sinéad Mercier is a consultant on climate change law and policy with special focus on just transition and human rights. She lectures in Environment, Sustainability and Social Justice at Maynooth University and has previously worked for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the National Economic and Social Council, the Green Party of Ireland and Philip Lee law firm. Her new book is on the evolution of environmental and cultural heritage law in Ireland, called 'Men Who Eat Ringforts' written with Michael Holly and Eddie Lenihan, published with Askeaton Public Arts and funded by Clare County Council Arts Office, Gaining Ground.
Webinar format:
Sinéad Mercier began the seminar by presenting findings on her paper titled 'Four Case Studies on Just Transition: Lessons for Ireland'. The paper is available here. Following the initial presentation the discussant, Paul Goldrick-Kelly commented on different aspects of the paper with the hope of opening up a more engaged discussion on the issues raised in the paper. It finished with a Q & A section being put forward through the chairperson Paul Mac Flynn, NERI.
Sinéad Mercier's and Paul Goldrick-Kelly's presentations are below. The YouTube link to the webinar is here.