Advancing Just Transitions in the Built Environment - IHRB Digital Report

The report Advancing Just Transitions in the Built Environment is published by the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB). This comprehensive study focuses on the crucial intersection of human rights and environmental sustainability, particularly within the context of urban development and the built environment. The report highlights the pressing global challenges of climate change and social inequality, emphasizing the need for equitable and inclusive climate actions.

The research identifies that buildings and construction are responsible for 37% of global energy-related carbon emissions, making the sector a significant contributor to climate change. Urban areas, where these constructions are primarily concentrated, also represent centers of socio-economic disparities. The two-year research project conducted by IHRB aims to explore how decarbonization policies in the built environment can uphold human rights, focusing on housing rights, workers' rights, spatial justice, and participatory governance.

Case studies from eight cities—Lagos, Prague, Lisbon, Melbourne, Copenhagen, Jakarta, Athens, and Valparaíso—illustrate unique challenges and opportunities in climate action and social equity. While some green initiatives have improved living conditions and reduced emissions, significant risks such as "renovictions" and "green gentrification" threaten vulnerable communities.

The report stresses that involving affected communities in decision-making is crucial to ensure climate initiatives do not worsen existing inequalities. It proposes 44 recommendations for governments and investors, advocating for context-specific investments in retrofitting buildings, expanding community participation, and developing financial incentives aligned with social and environmental goals.

The report outlines three guiding principles for advancing just transitions: committing to circular and regenerative economic models, empowering communities through education, and embedding human rights in everyday practices. These principles serve as a framework to address the complex interplay between climate action and social justice.

The report highlights a clear distinction between cities in the Global North and Global South regarding decarbonization initiatives. Cities in the Global North, such as Prague and Copenhagen, are more advanced in implementing climate actions, yet their per capita emissions remain significantly higher than those in the Global South. Conversely, Global South megacities face immediate urban challenges that complicate the implementation of ambitious national climate plans.

The report concludes that without an inclusive approach to climate action, vulnerable communities will continue to face the adverse effects of climate change, exacerbating social inequalities and undermining human rights. It emphasizes the importance of holistic strategies that address both climate and social issues, ensuring future climate initiatives are grounded in equity. The advancement of human rights within urban development is positioned as a collective responsibility for governments, businesses, and communities alike.