The Case for Just Transitions in the RMG Sector in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change and must adapt across many economic sectors. The country currently spends about 6-7% of its annual budget on climate resilience initiatives. However, the necessary transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy could negatively impact vulnerable communities whose livelihoods may be disrupted.

The concept of “Just transitions” prompts considerations of how to manage these changes to uplift communities, boost green employment, and engage stakeholders, including marginalized voices, in decision-making. Just transition planning is essential to minimize harm, particularly for vulnerable people.

Key Recommendations:

• Facilitate broad stakeholder dialogues to identify and manage transition risks.
• Increase coordination between key ministries to help buffer impacts through social protection systems.
• Institutionalize just transition learning in government to ensure continuity.
• Work with partners to identify data gaps about impacted sectors and groups.
• Broaden climate finance to provide socioeconomic support for negatively affected stakeholders.
• Support social programs like re-skilling workers, focusing on the inclusion of excluded groups.
• Develop education programs and curriculums to prepare youth for green economy roles.
• Hold high-emitting countries accountable for cultural and social losses from climate change.
• Show solidarity with the Global South to demonstrate the need for international financing of just climate transitions.

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This report was originally published by Climate Strategies.