Peatlands and the Project Explained

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What is the Just Transition?

The idea of a just transition is one that makes sure the benefits of the move to a green economy are widely shared, while also supporting those who stand to lose economically – whether they are countries, regions, industries, communities, workers or consumers. There are numerous initiatives taking place at national, regional and international levels to ensure the transition to a climate-neutral economy happens in a fair way.

At a very high-level, the European Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) provides support to help mobilise at least €150 billion over 2021-2027 in the most affected regions to alleviate the socio-economic impact of the transition. A Just Transition Platform has been put in place to help EU countries and regions unlock the support available through this Mechanism. The Platform will build on and expand the work of the existing Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition, which already supports fossil fuel producing regions across the EU in achieving a just transition through tailored, needs-oriented assistance and capacity-building. The midlands in Ireland have been identified as one such region and therefore, alongside other efforts already in place, Peatlands and People will be sharing its results with and learning from other Coal Regions in Transition.

Peatlands and People intends to mobilise and work with people across the country to help improve the resilience of communities impacted by the transition. The three project pillars have been devised to bring about the necessary changes needed to implement Ireland's Climate Action Plan in a fair manner.

Ireland also has a separate national Just Transition Fund that is not linked to this project which was made available for projects focusing on retraining workers and proposals to generate sustainable employment in green enterprise in the region, and supporting communities to transition to a low carbon economy.