Woman based in Glenswilly part of group calling for new approach to climate action

Michelle Murphy is a member of Ireland’s Just Transition Commission, which this week published its first report, urging the Government to develop a bold and forward-looking strategy that places just transition at the heart of national climate action.

Originally from Kilkenny and now living in Glenswilly, Ms Murphy is a research and policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland, is part of the 11-member Commission, which on launching the report said: “Ireland must now move much faster and with much more ambition if we are to keep the people and places we care about safe from the effects of climate change, and to seize the unprecedented opportunity that a just transition offers to build a fairer, more inclusive, and resilient society.”

The Commission is calling on the Government to urgently develop a bold, nationwide strategy that sets out how Ireland’s approach to climate action will ensure a fair and inclusive transition to a climate-neutral society, one that delivers benefits for all, especially those most vulnerable to the transition.

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The Commission continued: “More will be asked of society as Ireland works to cut emissions rapidly while adapting to climate impacts. This will require courage, collaboration and a commitment to fairness. A just transition offers a powerful opportunity, not only to manage the risks of the climate transition but to reimagine and reshape Ireland’s economy and society to be more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

“This is our chance to embrace just transition as the foundation for a fairer, more resilient Ireland; one that delivers for people and the planet. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to look beyond emissions and to deliver an approach to climate action that will uplift and protect communities, enhance lives and leave no one or no place behind.”

The Just Transition Commission, as an independent advisory body, is focused on bringing fresh thinking and a constructive, thoughtful approach to helping Ireland move faster and fairly on climate change. The Commission aims to serve not only as a public voice for just transition, but also as a public ear, learning directly from those on the frontlines of change.

In its first report, the Commission outlines initial recommendations for how the Government should ensure that the transition to a climate-neutral economy is fair and benefits everyone. Key recommendations include:
Develop a clear, strategic vision for a just transition to a climate-neutral society, one that moves beyond siloed or reactive approaches, puts fairness at the heart of climate action, identifies those most at risk, and outlines how the transition will benefit all of society.

Build a deeper understanding of vulnerabilities related to climate action by identifying at-risk groups through sector-specific, geographic, and intersectional lenses to ensure no one is overlooked in the transition.
Strengthen the governance of just transition by integrating it into the annual climate policy cycle, setting clear targets alongside sectoral actions, and ensuring it is a core, accountable part of national and local climate planning.

Establish Just Transition Indicators, supported by a robust governance structure, to monitor progress, ensure accountability, and make sure the needs of those most affected by the transition are fully considered.

Map and review existing relevant data, and address key gaps through collaborative monitoring, to enable evidence-based assessments and to better identify those people and places most affected by the transition.

Improve the National Dialogue on Climate Action in terms of accessibility, affordability and accountability, and by ensuring it amplifies the voices of those most impacted and informs future climate policy.

Integrate just transition into all climate communications, including through inclusive language, practical guidance, and meaningful engagement with people's lived experiences.

The Commission added: “In recent years, Ireland has begun to lay the foundations towards unlocking the ambitious action necessary to help secure a safe and thriving future for all. However, climate breakdown is worsening, and the impacts will be felt more widely and acutely across our country in the coming years.

“Indeed, the early meetings of the Commission took place against the backdrop of Storm Éowyn, which held up a mirror to our lack of preparedness, the need to significantly enhance our resilience, and the growing risks now posed to the people and places we care about, our communities and companies, and indeed to our lives and livelihoods.

“We have a huge opportunity now not only to approach just transition as a wider lens to inform a new vision for Ireland; to look beyond solely emission reductions towards transforming our society and economy to thrive while meeting social needs and respecting planetary boundaries. Now is the time to act with urgency, courage, and collaboration. We look forward to working together with society to shape a just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.”

The Just Transition Commission of Ireland is chaired by Ali Sheridan. Ms Sheridan is also the lead of the UN High Level Climate Champions, a member of the Environmental Protection Agency Advisory Board and a Common Knowledge board member.