The UN has approved the inclusion of the principle in text which will form an introductory statement of principles at the international Copenhagen Climate Summit in December.
The Green Party says the UK government and the EU should now fully commit to backing the principle in EU submissions to the Copenhagen conference.
"Just Transition" is the principle that the transition to a low-carbon economy must be fair and not disproportionately hurt the workforces of high energy industries - making them pay for progress with severe cuts in living standards and employment opportunities. The social costs of transition, it is argued, must be shared. The principle also means that trades unions, businesses and communities affected by transition must be consulted along with other civil society bodies.
The principle of Just Transition has been promoted by the TUC and adopted by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
Martin Hemingway, lead candidate for Yorkshire and the Humber in the European Elections in June, said today:
" The principle of a fair transition to a sustainable society should be supported widely. We need a rapid transition to a low carbon economy, but we must protect workers, and communities dependent on the workforces that have produced steel, cement, coal or cars. Those communities and workers must be consulted and supported not destroyed. We intend to help them with investment and training to re-skill for new sustainable industries like local food or renewable energy and energy conservation. Sheffield steelworkers or Birmingham carmakers must become part of a low carbon economy making sustainable products.
"The governments of the UK and the rest of the EU must back this principle at Copenhagen along with the urgent measures necessary to bring about a low carbon economy. Green parliamentarians across the EU will be supporting that."
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