Climate change and social justice

‘How climate change affects people in the UK and how can we best develop an equitable response?’

A seminar held by the ESRC (Environment and Social Research Council) together with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Local Government Association (LGA) aimed to ‘start a new conversation’ on social justice and climate change.

In this seminar report, a range of contributors provide perspectives from the fields of research, policy and practice. The report’s conclusions resonate with Groundwork’s approach and our activity on issues such as behavioural change, green jobs and energy efficiency.

 

Key messages include:

 

  • A ‘reality check’ is needed given the scale of the problem. To avoid dangerous climate change, the UK needs to stabilise and reduce carbon emissions within the next two years.
  • There is little opportunity for technology solutions over the short term. So mitigation will require substantial behavioural change.
  • Climate change could create ‘double injustice’ in the UK (where those who contribute least to the problem may face the most serious impacts).
  • A low carbon UK could also be a more socially just one, with real opportunities to promote jobs for lower skilled workers and address fuel poverty through household energy efficiency.  Society as a whole could live more sustainably, rather than expecting individuals to make ‘choices’ that are not equally available.

A new JRF research programme will investigate these issues, and explore which people and which places will be affected by climate change in the UK, and how this may relate to existing patterns of poverty and disadvantage.