Abbey Abramson

  Just transition and climate justice Just Transition & Climate Justice: Whose Costs, Whose Future? The concept of a “just transition” has emerged as one of the defining themes of the global climate agenda. At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the idea took center stage as governments, civil society, Indigenous peoples, labor unions, youth groups, and development agencies called for  rapid, fair climate action . While the conference did not produce a concrete commitment to phase out fossil fuels, it did elevate the importance of justice in the transition away from carbon-intensive development (Climate Action Network, 2025). This article explores the meaning of just transition, why it is essential for global climate success, how it is tied to climate justice, what COP30 achieved—and failed to achieve—and what it will take to ensure that the world’s shift to a green economy protects workers, communities, and nature rather than leaving them behind. What Is a Just Transition? The t...

  Corruption supercharges the climate crisis. From risk to reality: how corruption magnifies climate harm Picture a climate project as a chain. Each link—prioritization, design, budgeting, procurement, construction, maintenance, and monitoring—can add strength or introduce failure. According to the IPCC, effective governance is crucial at each stage. For example, prioritization and design require inclusive decision-making to ensure resilience against specific local climate risks (IPCC AR6). Similarly, transparent budgeting and procurement processes are crucial in preventing the misallocation of funds, which can compromise project integrity (IPCC AR6). Agenda-setting and prioritization If protection decisions are made by political loyalty rather than exposure and need, flood defenses follow influence rather than risk. Communities in the storm’s path wait as ribbon-cuttings happen elsewhere. The UNDP’s early work on climate and corruption highlighted these governance faults in adapta...

  Climate change awareness turning into action The Power of Climate Activism: Turning Awareness into Action The Evolution of Climate Activism The climate activism movement has evolved significantly over the past century, transitioning from localized environmental campaigns to global movements addressing the urgent challenges of climate change. This evolution reflects growing public awareness, technological advancements, and the increasing severity of climate impacts. Understanding the historical trajectory of climate activism reveals how grassroots efforts, scientific advocacy, and digital mobilization have converged to drive systemic change. Early Environmental Movements The roots of climate activism can be traced back to early environmental movements in the 19th and 20th centuries that focused on conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. The conservation movement emerged in the late 19th century, led by prominent figures such as John Muir and Theodore Rooseve...