Equity and Justice in the Green Transition: Towards Inclusive and Fair Climate Policies

The transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy requires policies that not only address environmental challenges but also promote social equity. This thesis, Equity and Justice in the Green Transition: Towards Inclusive and Fair Climate Policies, explores the need for a climate policy approach in the European Union (EU) that prioritizes equity and social justice, with a particular focus on the European Green Deal (EGD). Recognizing the lack of a methodological tool to assess vulnerabilities arising from the negative impacts of climate mitigation policies, this research introduces a new vulnerability assessment framework tailored to the EU context. The framework employs an 11-dimensional matrix of well-being indicators, disaggregated by sex, age, and migration status, offering policymakers a practical tool for evaluating social vulnerabilities and ensuring that climate policies advance, rather than hinder, social equity. This multidimensional approach enables policymakers to identify well-being gaps between at-risk and general populations and to design interventions that close these gaps, supporting a fair and just transition. Built by integrating elements from Eurostat’s Quality of Life (QoL) framework, the OECD Well-being framework, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this framework facilitates a more comprehensive assessment of policy impacts on fairness. Justice considerations are particularly relevant when climate policy impacts fundamental opportunities for well-being, rather than merely affecting non-essential preferences. Additionally, by linking identified vulnerabilities to specific well-being dimensions, the framework provides a structured foundation for targeted social policy responses. Aligned with the United Nations' 2024 Synergy Solutions for Climate and SDG Action recommendations, this research underscores the importance of strengthening connections between climate action and sustainable development. The findings highlight the need for disaggregated well-being indicators to assess inequalities and guide inclusive policy. Ultimately, the proposed framework supports the EU’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action, working toward a fair, inclusive, and resilient society across Europe.