Events

Past Event

J. Mijin Cha - Just Transition or Just a Transition? The Importance of Power, Organizing, and Framing in Decarbonization

April 25, 2023
4:15 PM - 6:15 PM
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Online and in-person: Heyman Center (Second Floor Common Room), Columbia University, New York

Event Description

While a rapid and dramatic reduction in fossil fuel use is necessary to stave off the worst impacts of the climate crisis, there will be negative socio-economic consequences for workers and communities in fossil fuel regions, in addition to the ongoing pollution from fossil activity that is disproportionately borne by marginalized communities. Addressing and mitigating these consequences is not incompatible with an equitable energy transition, yet a just energy transition is far from guaranteed. Who and what is covered by "just transition" is increasingly unclear as the term becomes popularized and co-opted. This talk will explore what is meant by "just transition," the importance of "just," and how to advance a just energy transition.

Event Speaker

J. Mijin Cha, Assistant Professor of Environment Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz

Event Information

Free and open to the public; registration required. For more information, please visit the event webpage or email [email protected]. Please visit the Heyman’s Center website for directions. All in-person attendees must follow Columbia's COVID-19 policies. Visitors will be asked to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Hosted by the Society of Fellows and Heyman Center for the Humanities at Columbia University. Co-sponsored by the Columbia Climate School, Center for Science and Society, and the Decarbonization, Climate Resilience and Climate Justice Network.