LE3 .A278 2020

2020

Biro, Andrew

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

Politics

Politics

In a world where the effects of climate change have become more prevalent, especially for people who are already vulnerable to the massive inequities in the world, climate change makes all those inequities worse. It is for this reason that any solutions to combat climate change must look to address these harms that climate change will worsen. The Green New Deal (GND), which was proposed as a resolution in the United States government has sought go after climate change from all angles, and this includes addressing the inequities that are prevalent in the United States. The GND proposes and calls for a ‘just transition’, but what is that? This thesis examines this question and looks at what it means to call for a just transition and its implications. Through a theoretical reading of justice and transition as they are discussed with environmental justice, climate justice, and transitional justice, a definition of a just transition be comes clearer. Within this discussion, is the use of language and the power and the impact of defining such things, like a just transition can have. This thesis will argue that a just transition is not singular, nor should it be defined by a strict definition of what it is or what it is not, as this depends on who’s just transition it is. A just transition is about action, specifically grassroots action. It should be looked at and driven through those who are most vulnerable, or risk leaving people behind.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3400