Energy transitions are about people: the ones who make the decisions and the ones affected by those decisions. A "just transition" approach ensures that the affected people are considered by those making decisions. 

The world has seen many transitions in the past, from automation to the decline or relocation of entire industries, leading to job losses and economic hardship. This has created a fear that future transitions will be similarly painful.

Low-carbon energy transitions are already happening in many countries, often due to economic factors or health concerns, but also supported and accelerated by climate change policies. Nevertheless, the actors involved, including governments, businesses, workers and communities, have a tendency to protect the status quo and keep carbon-intensive industries alive.

Early action on a just transition can minimize the negative impacts and maximize positive opportunities. The Paris Agreement on climate change includes just transition as an important principle. Just transition is not a fixed set of rules, but a vision and a process based on dialogue and an agenda shared by workers, industry and governments that need to be negotiated and implemented in their geographical, political, cultural and social contexts. It is implemented with a set of guiding principles, such as the International Labour Organization's guidelines for a just transition.