By Alejandra Rivera
The way urbanisation has taken place in most cities has taken a toll on the environment, workers and local communities. Basic human rights in cities have not been protected nor respected. Many people lack access to decent and affordable housing, or even live in dangerous unhealthy conditions; entire human settlements are neglected from urban planning and city-making processes, and in the industry itself, construction workers often face unfavourable employment and working conditions.
There is an often-missed opportunity to address both environmental and social issues together. I often see climate actions disconnected from social equity, either by disregarding the implied risks to people and/or by keeping benefits only within the higher socio-economic classes or neighbourhoods.
Therefore, as cities aim to transition to more sustainable and unpolluting ways of living, the policies, strategies, and local actions must be just i.e. ensuring to include everybody in the process, and that the costs of these transitions are not borne by already disadvantaged groups, but by the contrary, that the benefits could be spread out equally.
The concept of a “Just” transition therefore has a wide meaning: It refers to placing the human being the centre of the process – focusing on covering basic needs, and prioritising the provision of conditions that enable human development. Therefore, climate actions in cities should benefit everybody: e.g. industry workers, but also promote housing equity, non-discrimination, participation, and an overall improved living environment and quality of life for all citizens.
