A Just Transition - Ensuring Net Zero Works for Everyone
As the UK accelerates its journey to net zero, ensuring a just and inclusive transition is more important than ever. The shift to a greener economy must not leave marginalised communities behind or deepen existing inequalities. In this blog, IEMA’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, Asim Ali, explores how climate action can be a force for fairness, social justice, and economic empowerment.
As we observe Ramadan, a time of reflection, community, and justice, it’s important to consider how the journey to net zero must also be one of fairness and inclusion. The fight against climate change is not just an environmental issue - it is a matter of social, economic, and racial justice. If we are to build a truly sustainable future, we must ensure that the benefits of green policies and investments reach everyone, not just the wealthiest in society.
The Unequal Burden of Climate Change
Deprived communities often suffer the most from climate breakdown. Poorly insulated homes mean extreme heat in the summer and soaring energy bills in the winter. Many urban neighbourhoods lack green spaces, leaving residents without the health and wellbeing benefits of nature. Air pollution disproportionately affects lower-income and ethnically diverse communities, contributing to long-term health issues. These are not just environmental concerns - they are deep-seated inequalities that must be addressed as part of the net zero transition.
Climate Action as a Force for Unity
At the heart of climate action is an opportunity to bring people together and tackle broader social injustices. A key theme running through recent discussions on net zero is the need for inclusive policies that uplift communities while delivering on sustainability goals. The West Midlands Net Zero Neighbourhood is a prime example - by investing in energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and local jobs, this initiative is helping to create cleaner, healthier communities while boosting economic opportunities for residents. Similarly, London’s Greener City Fund has supported green spaces in areas that need them most, ensuring that climate action also enhances urban liveability.
A Fair and Inclusive Transition
Achieving our climate goals isn’t just about policy - it’s about creating a more inclusive society. Green jobs and skills programs must be accessible to people from all backgrounds, ensuring that opportunities in the growing green economy benefit everyone. Public investment in clean energy, transport, and housing must prioritise the areas most affected by environmental inequalities. The message is clear: net zero must work for all, not just the privileged few.
IEMA’s Diverse Sustainability Initiative (DSI) is working to ensure that environment and sustainability professions reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. A just transition must mean not only tackling environmental injustice but also ensuring that those shaping sustainability policies and solutions come from a wide range of backgrounds and that the profession is an inclusive place for this. You can learn more about DSI’s work here.
If we are to build a truly sustainable future, we must recognise that environmental justice and social justice go hand in hand. Climate action should not widen existing inequalities—it should help close them, creating a fairer, greener, and more resilient society for all.
