Crisis breeds crisis. Across the globe, political tensions are rising. The labour and environmental activist movements regularly find themselves at odds when defining the most important and urgent issues to be dealt with. As well as this, there’s growing concern that the far-right will successfully use such discontent for their own benefit. The question arises: can we unite in the face of this climate and environmental crisis to find fair solutions? This is where the idea of the Just Transition comes in, which we will explore this year through our Special Topic for the Greenmotions Film Festival 2024.

Transition is inevitable. Justice is not.

The impacts of the climate and ecological crises are increasingly apparent. The consensus is clear: our economy, society and the very way in which we live, will need to swiftly change to ward off the worst effects of this climatic emergency. Politicians across the world are scrambling to react to the situation and initiate the process of transition.

Although this process is crucial in reducing carbon emissions and environmental damages, those who are affected the most by this undertaking cannot be forgotten. While some countries and communities already suffer the negative impacts of climate change and environmental damages/ destruction, others depend upon fossil-fuel and other similarly detrimental industries to make a living. A loss of their source of income would have dramatic consequences on their lives. If we want the transition to be just, all those affected need to be considered.

Sustainable development, including the promotion of human rights, socio-economic equity and justice, must remain at the heart of climate change policy. The term Just Transition recognises the imbalanced and disjointed impacts of the transition away from fossil fuel dependences and it seeks to ensure that no one is left behind in the process. It calls upon inclusive dialogues, reflecting on historical responsibility for climate change and focusing on the needs, priorities and realities of those affected the most. If the term is still relatively unknown to many, it has found its way out of an academic niche and is now used in local, national and international political and legal discourses. Significantly, it has also become a focal point of climate and labour rights activism.

Explore this topic with our Special Topic program selection. We have curated a selection of films which showcase the importance of a just and fair transition for all, and the many aspects that hide behind this term!

We are looking forward to welcoming you!