Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) are long-term national planning frameworks that outline how countries can achieve economic growth and development while systematically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Increasingly, LEDS recognise that climate action is not purely a technical or economic exercise but a deeply social and political process. A just transition within LEDS therefore seeks to ensure that the shift towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development does not exacerbate existing inequalities or leave vulnerable workers, communities, and regions behind. This approach is grounded in three interrelated principles. Procedural justice emphasises inclusive, transparent, and participatory decision-making processes that give affected stakeholders a meaningful voice. Distributional justice focuses on the fair allocation of both the costs and benefits of the transition, ensuring that burdens are not disproportionately borne by those least able to absorb them. Transformational intent goes beyond incremental change, aiming to fundamentally reshape economic structures, labour markets, and social systems to promote long-term resilience, equity, and sustainability.
Case Study: South Africa’s LEDS and Coal Transition
South Africa provides a compelling example of how just transition principles can be operationalised within LEDS, particularly in the context of a highly coal-dependent economy. As one of the world’s most carbon-intensive energy systems, the country faces the challenge of reconciling ambitious climate commitments with persistent socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, inequality, and regional dependence on coal. South Africa’s LEDS explicitly integrates just transition considerations, recognising that decarbonisation must proceed in a manner that supports social stability and economic inclusion. The transition away from coal is therefore framed not only as an environmental necessity, but as an opportunity to address structural weaknesses in the economy while safeguarding affected workers and communities.
Key Elements
A central feature of South Africa’s approach has been extensive stakeholder engagement, with government working alongside trade unions, local communities, industry, and civil society to co-design transition pathways and build social consensus. Economic diversification is another critical pillar, with targeted investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, sustainable agriculture, and related value chains intended to create alternative livelihoods and stimulate regional development. Social protection measures, including worker reskilling, retraining programmes, and income support, have been introduced to mitigate short-term disruption and facilitate labour mobility. These efforts have been complemented by the mobilisation of international climate finance, particularly concessional resources channelled through multilateral development banks, which have helped to de-risk large-scale renewable energy projects and ease fiscal constraints.
Why Just Transitions Matter
Embedding justice within LEDS is essential to avoiding social backlash and political resistance that can stall or reverse climate policies. Transitions perceived as unfair risk eroding public trust, whereas inclusive and well-managed processes tend to generate broader social buy-in. Just transitions also accelerate emissions reductions by reducing conflict, delays, and implementation risks. Importantly, they contribute to long-term resilience by equipping communities with new skills, diversified income sources, and greater adaptive capacity in the face of economic and climate shocks.
Lessons for Other Countries
Countries developing LEDS can draw several lessons from South Africa’s experience. Just transition principles should be integrated from the outset rather than added retrospectively. Participatory frameworks must meaningfully involve workers, civil society, and sub-national governments. Alignment with global climate finance is crucial to easing the economic burden of transition, particularly in developing economies. Finally, equity outcomes should be actively monitored to track who benefits and who may be at risk of exclusion.
Conclusion
LED just transitions are both a moral imperative and a practical necessity. The South African case demonstrates that embedding justice into climate strategies can strengthen social cohesion while enhancing climate ambition. As more countries develop long-term LEDS, ensuring fairness and inclusion will be critical to achieving global climate goals alongside sustainable and inclusive development.
Sources
GGGI Insight Brief on Just Transition in LT‑LEDS UNFCCC Just Transition Case Studies
Author: Allen Kemigisa
Research & Communications Intern
