Just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies

The world of work is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Rising heat, floods, desertification, and displacement threaten jobs, livelihoods, and communities—especially in developing countries and among vulnerable groups such as women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, informal workers, migrants, and youth. Without urgent, inclusive action, climate change risks reversing decades of progress in poverty reduction, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

But there is hope. Climate action that ensures a just transition can unlock major social and economic benefits—creating millions of decent jobs, supporting sustainable enterprises, improving workplace safety, expanding social protection, and upholding labour rights. ILO studies shows that implementing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change could result in a net gain of 18 million jobs by 2030.

For governments, communities, workers, and businesses, just transition is a vehicle to empower the world of work to protect livelihoods and drive equitable progress. It offers the possibility of thriving economies that are low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive. A just transition for all is fundamental to create more and better jobs, foster sustainable enterprises of all types and sizes, and expand decent work opportunities, while ensuring that workers and employers play a key role in advancing climate action.

1. Occupational safety and health in a just transition
2. The role of active labour market policies for a just transition
3. Social protection for a just transition
4. A just transition for people living with HIV in the world of work
5. Greening macroeconomic policies: Current trends and policy options
6. “Nothing about us without us” - Realizing disability rights through a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies
7. Skills Development for a Just Transition
8. Indigenous Peoples and a Just Transition for All
9. Human mobility and labour migration related to climate change in a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all
10. Green works to support a just transition
11. Gender equality, labour and a just transition for all
12. Sectoral Policies for a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All
13. How MSMEs can contribute to and benefit from a just transition
14. The Role of Social Dialogue and Tripartism in a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All