The significant human and economic costs of climate change warrant the shift to a low-carbon economy. The road toward low carbon, however, is not going to be well-paved. Livelihoods in high-carbon sectors would be at risk and communities would be negatively affected, with vulnerable sectors of society likely to be hurt disproportionately. 

Just transition is a framework that aims to maximize the advantages of transitioning to a low-carbon economy while promoting equity and inclusivity of vulnerable groups like women, the poor, workers, people with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples. A just transition to low carbon should ensure their inclusion, particularly their capacity to access decent work opportunities and their empowerment. This policy brief discusses the initiatives and various forms of a just transition in APEC economies and identifies policy approaches to ensure inclusion as APEC builds a sustainable future for all.