AI-Generated Summary
Learn moreContext and Publisher
The report titled Advancing Just Transitions in the Built Environment was published by the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) in 2024. The IHRB is an organization dedicated to promoting human rights in business practices globally. This comprehensive study focuses on the intersection between human rights and environmental sustainability, especially in the context of urban development and the built environment. The report emphasizes the urgent need for equitable and inclusive climate actions, particularly in urban settings where socio-economic inequalities are pronounced.
Key Challenges Addressed
The report tackles two pressing global challenges: climate change and social inequality. It notes that buildings and construction contribute to 37% of global energy-related carbon emissions, making this sector a significant player in climate change. Urban areas, where these constructions are concentrated, also serve as hubs of socio-economic disparities. The IHRB's two-year research project aims to explore how decarbonization policies in the built environment can uphold human rights, focusing on essential areas such as housing rights, workers' rights, spatial justice, and participatory governance.
Key Findings
- Diverse Global Contexts: The research is enriched by case studies from eight cities across various continentsāLagos, Prague, Lisbon, Melbourne, Copenhagen, Jakarta, Athens, and ValparaĆso. Each city presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding climate action and social equity.
- Human Rights Risks: The study highlights that while there are positive examples of green initiatives that improve living conditions and reduce emissions, there are also significant risks involved. These include "renovictions," or evictions following renovations, and "green gentrification," which can lead to the displacement of vulnerable communities.
- Need for Inclusive Policies: The report underscores the importance of involving affected communities in decision-making processes to ensure that climate initiatives do not exacerbate existing inequalities. It advocates for systemic changes that integrate social justice into environmental policies.
Recommendations
The report outlines 44 recommendations directed at governments and investors to encourage just transitions. Key recommendations include: - Context-specific investments in retrofitting existing buildings. - Expanding community participation in planning processes. - Developing financial incentives that align with social and environmental goals.
Steering Principles
Three guiding principles for advancing just transitions are proposed: a commitment to circular and regenerative economic models, empowerment through education and independent tools, and embedding human rights into everyday practices.
Conclusions
The report concludes that achieving a just transition in the built environment necessitates a fundamental shift in how value is perceived, prioritizing social functions over mere economic gains. It advocates for a narrative that integrates social justice with environmental sustainability, calling for a collective effort to redefine progress beyond GDP metrics to include indicators reflecting human well-being and ecological health.
Overall, this report serves as a vital resource for policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations striving to balance environmental goals with social equity in urban development.