What Is the Logic and What Are the Stakes for a « Fair Transition »? How Should the Transition Risk Be Collectively Assumed?

What does a « fair transition » mean for a public agency like ADEME (The French Agency for Ecological Transition)? Grey literature shows that by referring to a « fair transition », trade unions, governments and international organizations set out four different necessities. The transition has to be made and, accordingly, there is a need for policies on pollution/emissions and polluters/emitters. However, while the transition is in everyone's interest, it also has a negative impact on certain jobs, businesses, sectors and regions that are highly dependent on fossil fuels, and which therefore need assistance. Independently from this dependence on fossil fuels, the ability to adapt to transition policies differs across society and the economy, due to economic, social and geographical fragilities that should also be taken into account. Finally, stakeholders, including citizens, must have the opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of transition policies at all territorial levels.