The just transition movement, its history & the role Climate Justice Alliance is playing to support it

Marion explains that the just transition movement was first conceptualized by labor and environmental justice groups and communities, particularly those in low-income communities of color and on the frontlines of the extractive economy. This economy is based on a consumerist, individualist, and colonial mindset that exploits workers and the environment to produce goods for the wealthy. The just transition aims to divest from this power structure and shift economic control to communities, democratize wealth in the workplace, and build a worldview of caring and sacredness for ecological and social well-being. This approach supports cooperative work, recognizes the limits of growth, and regenerates resources based on deep democracy and governance. It also seeks to relocalize production and consumption and retain and restore cultures and traditions. 

The Climate Justice Alliance, in collaboration with its 89 member organizations across the United States, Turtle Island, Guam, and Puerto Rico, has been actively engaged in the just transition movement for the past decade. They are on the frontlines, demonstrating numerous examples of what just transition looks like in practice, ranging from agroecological farming cooperatives in the Pacific Northwest to the pioneering community-owned solar project in New York City. These member organizations are at the forefront of showcasing scalable climate solutions that genuinely benefit and empower communities.

About Marion & how she got involved in this work

Marion, who grew up in Southern California, has a diverse background and was shaped by the experiences of her grandparents who lived by rice paddies in southern China and worked on farms in New Jersey. Influenced by spending time with her grandparents and her father’s love for fishing, Marion developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Additionally, her aunt, who transitioned from being a labor lawyer to a federal judge, played a significant role in shaping her understanding of social and environmental issues. This multicultural and multidimensional upbringing allowed Marion to recognize the importance of various aspects of a regenerative economy. As she embarked on her journey, Marion initially worked with traditional environmental nonprofits, wanting to do more to address ineffective solutions. This realization ultimately led her to find her way to Climate Justice Alliance, where she was drawn to the organization’s mission and the incredible member organizations she collaborates with on a daily basis.

What does a regenerative economy look like

Marion emphasizes the importance of changing the story as one of the core meta-strategies of the Climate Justice Alliance’s work. They acknowledge that society has long been driven by a story of boundless growth. Marion believes that embracing a regenerative economy involves challenging this narrative and instead looking to natural and ecological models for inspiration on how to exist and be in harmony with the Earth. It requires reevaluating the concept of “having enough” and rediscovering the right relationship with the Earth, understanding its limitations in terms of production. Marion highlighted the paradox of abundant food resources being wasted while many people go without access to it. CJA sees regeneration as a way to transcend the paradigm of limitless growth and recognize that the necessary resources are already available, but structural issues such as the concentration of wealth and power, systemic racism, the militarization of the police, and worker exploitation hinder equitable access. By changing these narratives, a regenerative economy aims to foster a different kind of relationship among individuals and with the Earth, acknowledging that there is enough for everyone if distribution and societal structures are transformed.

The influx of interest & support for climate action in recent years

Marion explains that the recent surge in interest and support for climate action is a natural outcome of the organizing and long-standing efforts of Climate Justice Alliance’s members, partners, and field activists over the past decades. However, Marion identified a challenge in ensuring that this interest is channeled towards solutions that address root causes effectively. She expresses concerns about certain solutions promoted by the Biden administration, which could allow fossil fuel infrastructure to persist or expand for several more decades. To navigate this, Climate Justice Alliance has developed a tool called the “people solutions lens” that poses five important questions. Firstly, they question who is presenting the solution, especially when corporations that contributed to the problem are claiming to offer the solution. Secondly, they evaluate who is making the decisions and whether impacted communities have a say. The third question examines who benefits from the proposed solutions, with a focus on ensuring community benefits rather than corporate gains. The fourth question probes the broader impacts beyond carbon reductions, emphasizing the importance of considering people, community health, and the environment holistically rather than reducing them to mere numbers. Lastly, they analyze how the proposed solution will shift power into marginalized communities, highlighting the need to dismantle systems that perpetuate the sacrifice of these communities. Despite the momentum generated by significant investments in climate action, such as the $3.7 trillion Infrastructure, Marion expresses disappointment over the Biden administration’s simultaneous approval of projects like the Willow Project and offshore drilling rights. This contradiction undermines the Administration’s claim of being a climate president and raises concerns about the commitment to environmental justice. Marion cautions that monitoring the implementation of funds is crucial to prevent their allocation towards false solutions. CJA is advocating for directing the funds to community-based organizations like their members who have already been spearheading projects such as solar cooperatives, food cooperatives, and spaces for civic participation. They’re also emphasizing the historical underinvestment in these communities and are calling on philanthropy to reassess their values, vision, and investment practices to support these organizations adequately.

How listeners can help

There are many ways in which listeners can contribute and support the Climate Justice Alliance’s work. Marion encourages individuals to visit the organization’s website and sign up for the newsletter to stay informed. She also urges listeners to learn more about the just transition framework, the principles of environmental justice, and the remarkable initiatives undertaken by CJA’s members. Marion suggests supporting the work of these members through volunteering, making donations, or actively participating in actions and events. She also recommendslistening to the CGA Zone podcast, titled “Stories from Home,” which features firsthand accounts from inspiring frontline leaders who are actively building and implementing regenerative solutions. Listeners can follow Climate Justice Alliance on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, under the handle @CJAOurPower. Individuals can also consider donating directly to the organization or to its member organizations.

Resources Mentioned

• Climate Justice Alliance
• Justice40 Initiative
• White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council
• Bezos Earth Fund
• Detroit Black Food Security Network – Detroit Food Commons
• The Inflation Reduction Act
• Community to Community
• Numa’lo Refillery

Connect with Marion Gee

• Connect with Marion on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason Rissman

• On LinkedIn
• On Twitter

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