Exploring Place-based Opportunities for Policy and Practice in Transition

Abstract

Delivering effective regional development in a context of decarbonising the economy is not just challenging economically but raises the issue of social justice and equity. Ensuring a 'just transition' that appropriately addresses the needs and harnesses the potential of particular communities is therefore critical. This research paper explores place-based approaches to just transition in Ireland and the potential for adopting co-creation methodologies to identifying and implementing pathways to change. It draws on three case studies to understand perspectives on, and pathways towards, more climate-resilient and equitable futures in three areas outside the major metropolitan areas. The Capability Approach (CA) is adopted as a wellbeing framework to operationalise a place based approach for a just transition in our study areas. The CA has become one of the most influential theoretical tools for conceptualising questions relating to social justice. Key to achieving a just transition is to understand what communities want themselves and we adopt a co-creation approach to identify mechanisms and approaches to enhance the capabilities of rural communities, which are constrained due to differences in income, housing, health, education and commuting patterns as well as demographic changes.