The Western Balkans are facing significant challenges due to climate change and pollution, with projections indicating higher warming rates than the global average and a projected decrease in precipitation leading to increased droughts and water scarcity. Present risks include economic losses, health impacts, diminished ecosystem functionality, and energy security issues. The region's transition towards a Just Green Transition (JGT) is slow, influenced by historical socio-political dynamics and the ongoing EU integration process, which presents both opportunities and obstacles. The European Green Deal and its Green Agenda for the Western Balkans aim to foster regional cooperation in addressing climate change; however, the region lags in implementing coherent climate-sensitive policies and lacks sufficient awareness and research on JGT practices. This document explores theoretical concepts related to JGT, summarizes ongoing efforts in the region, and proposes a research case study approach to enhance understanding of JGT's relationship with regional specificities. It emphasizes the need for policy recommendations based on empirical analysis to promote a just transition in the differing contexts of the Western Balkans, ensuring social justice while responding to the intertwined challenges of climate change and economic development.
Deliverable 4.1 – Report on Western Balkans Just Green Transition Conceptualisation
Rudina Toto
Primo
Conceptualization
;Anila BejkoSecondo
Writing – Review & Editing
;Fiona ImamiPenultimo
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
2023
Abstract
The Western Balkans are facing significant challenges due to climate change and pollution, with projections indicating higher warming rates than the global average and a projected decrease in precipitation leading to increased droughts and water scarcity. Present risks include economic losses, health impacts, diminished ecosystem functionality, and energy security issues. The region's transition towards a Just Green Transition (JGT) is slow, influenced by historical socio-political dynamics and the ongoing EU integration process, which presents both opportunities and obstacles. The European Green Deal and its Green Agenda for the Western Balkans aim to foster regional cooperation in addressing climate change; however, the region lags in implementing coherent climate-sensitive policies and lacks sufficient awareness and research on JGT practices. This document explores theoretical concepts related to JGT, summarizes ongoing efforts in the region, and proposes a research case study approach to enhance understanding of JGT's relationship with regional specificities. It emphasizes the need for policy recommendations based on empirical analysis to promote a just transition in the differing contexts of the Western Balkans, ensuring social justice while responding to the intertwined challenges of climate change and economic development.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
