[Interview] IPCC Chair Jim Skea: "A Just Transition Requires Planning, Participation, and Investment"

[The Path to a Just Transition]
IV. Advice and Solutions for Korea
Climate Change Organization IPCC
"Gradual Transition Is Essential... No Forced Measures on Labor and Management"

With the Lee Jaemyung administration declaring a "major shift to renewable energy," South Korea is accelerating its journey toward a decarbonized society. However, conflicts with local residents and negative perceptions arising during the energy transition process remain challenges that must be overcome. What does a truly just transition look like? We asked Jim Skea, Chair of the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for his thoughts during an interview in London, UK. The IPCC, in which South Korea also participates, reviews climate change responses and publishes reports every five years. These reports are highly influential, serving as the basis for setting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) alongside the principles of the Paris Agreement. The following is a Q&A.

Jim Skea, Chair of the IPCC, is posing at the London office in the UK. Photo by Jeon Jinyoung.

-Europe has smoothly transitioned from decarbonization to renewable energy. What is the secret to this transition?

▲If there is one thing Europe did well, it is that the transition was not radical but took place gradually over several decades. Because the UK operated coal-fired power plants for a long time, discussions about how to address the workforce during coal phase-out were prolonged.

In addition, the burden was not imposed solely on workers or management. The fundamental principle for ensuring a successful just transition is not simply changing production methods. It depends on three things: planning, participation, and investment.

In terms of planning, it means showing local residents detailed plans for the next five or ten years transparently and without concealment. All stakeholders must be at the negotiation table. Labor unions, companies, and members of society?all interested parties?should be included in the decision-making process regarding the energy transition. Investment is also essential. In order for people to transition to other jobs, investment and consideration for attracting companies are inevitably required.

-What do you think about the view that fossil fuels are still important?

▲In the short term, this argument may seem reasonable, but not in the long run. The recent increase in electricity and heating costs in Europe is largely due to the war in Ukraine. It may be argued that thermal power generation is more economical at the moment. However, if each country can sufficiently produce renewable energy, there will be opportunities for trade, such as exporting or importing surplus energy. In the long term, renewable energy is also more efficient in terms of cost.

-Europe has achieved effective decarbonization cooperation through the European Union (EU), but there are large disparities among Asian countries.

▲Because Europe is united as a community through the EU, energy exchange and transportation are free. Renewable energy produced in the UK can be sent to Belgium and France. Asian countries also need to find ways to achieve physical integration. Financial support is also necessary. East Asia's interest in decarbonization is generally lower than that of Europe. To raise this level of interest, national campaigns or financial incentives are essential.

-Energy transition policies often change with each administration. How is policy consistency maintained?

▲In Europe, in addition to national governments, there are third-party organizations that lead energy transition and climate agreements. This makes it possible to set clear goals. The UK has long-term goals and detailed plans to achieve net zero (zero carbon emissions) by 2050. These are not superficial plans; the detailed plans are broken down by year.

Of course, there is no guarantee that policies will not change, and there is room for change, but because the government and European organizations have a long-term outline, only the details may differ, while the overall direction remains unchanged. This structure is helpful.

-As Chair of the IPCC, what is your vision for a just transition?

▲Broadly, it is about achieving balance among countries. There needs to be discussion on how to achieve qualitative balance in the transition, considering wage differences and historical backgrounds between developed and developing countries. After that, the approach should be to attempt energy transition according to the circumstances of each country. Above all, I believe the key challenge is to create a forum where all stakeholders can participate in negotiations and discussions for a just transition.

This project was supported by the Press Promotion Fund, which is financed by government advertising fees.