Activists Rally for "Bam" Mechanism to Secure Just Climate Transition

As the COP30 climate negotiations continue in Brazil, a key focus for civil society groups is the push for the Belém Action Mechanism (Bam) - a proposal to drive a just transition towards a low-carbon economy.

The concept of a just transition originated from the US labor movement, recognizing the need to support and compensate workers in polluting sectors as they shift to more environmentally friendly jobs. This has since been expanded to include all people affected by the transition, such as those living near mineral extraction sites or in the agriculture sector.

While the Paris Agreement acknowledged the importance of a just transition, the details have remained fragmented and inconsistent. Bam aims to change that by requiring countries to take concrete steps and coordinate their efforts to support workers and communities through the shift.

This week, a major boost came as the G77 and China bloc, representing about 80% of the world's population, announced their unified support for a "just transition mechanism" - indicating their backing for the Bam proposal. Advocates say this mechanism is crucial to ensure climate action does not unintentionally leave vulnerable groups behind.

The push for Bam at COP30 reflects a growing recognition that the transition to a green economy must be equitable and inclusive, boosting prosperity and minimizing inequality. As the world grapples with the challenges of decarbonization, the outcome of this proposal could have far-reaching implications for the future of climate action.