A just transition that puts people first

When the world talks about climate change, it’s often numbers and targets—rising temperatures, carbon emissions, and deadlines. But behind every policy and every new energy project are real people: workers losing their livelihoods, farmers struggling to keep their land, and communities facing new challenges.

At a recent Climate Café panel, freelance journalist Chloé Farand explained how reporting on a Just Transition can bring those human stories to the forefront. A Just Transition isn’t just about switching to renewable energy or sustainable farming—it’s about making sure the shift is fair, inclusive, and beneficial for all. It means protecting jobs, respecting human rights, supporting communities, and ensuring that the costs and benefits of climate action are shared equitably.

For reporters, telling these stories means looking beyond policies and statistics. Farand encouraged journalists to focus on the people whose lives are affected. Workers losing jobs in the fossil fuel industry, women farmers facing displacement, communities at risk from industrial agriculture—these are the people whose experiences make the concept of a Just Transition tangible. Stories can show what is at stake, what works, and where change is possible.

Farand also stressed the importance of critical reporting. Fact-checking, questioning narratives, and looking at data are essential. Not all climate solutions are automatically just—sometimes renewable projects or biofuel initiatives can unintentionally harm communities. Reporting needs to capture both the promise and the challenges of climate action.

ActionAid’s research shows just how much is at stake. Less than 3% of global climate finance goes toward projects that truly support a Just Transition, meaning millions of workers and communities are not getting the help they need to adapt. Farand highlighted that journalists can play a role in making these gaps visible, holding governments and corporations accountable, and showing the human consequences of inaction.

Ultimately, a Just Transition is about people. It’s about listening to workers, farmers, women, and marginalized communities, and showing how their voices can shape a transition that is fair, sustainable, and empowering. As Farand said, “A story isn’t just about information. It’s about making climate action tangible and relatable. It’s about showing that no one should have to choose between a secure job and a safe planet.”

By telling these stories, journalists can help the public understand that climate action isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a social and human one. And when people see themselves in the story, they can become part of the solution, not just observers of change.

BY: Alex RUKUNDO