A Just Transition is often defined as one which includes decent work for all, social inclusion and the eradication of poverty. Northern Ireland faces a significant challenge to decarbonise its economy and society.
While the obligation to reduce carbon emissions is a shared one, the capacity to bear the brunt of such a large-scale transition is unequal. The burden of economic transformation is often felt first by workers, particularly those in the power or fossil fuel extraction sectors. However, other sectors and geographic areas may be at risk from negative impacts of decarbonisation. A just transition framework provides a structure for stakeholders and government to asses sectoral vulnerabilities and collaborate in the design of carbon reduction policies which support vulnerable workers and communities. This paper examines the risks for workers in Northern Ireland from decarbonisation in particular, identifying the sectors and the geographic areas most at risk from transition. It will also examine some of the elements needed to embed a Just Transition in principle and practice in Northern Irish climate policy.