Rapid Transitions vs Just Transformations: Negotiating Trade-offs Between Climate and Land Actions

The session focused on the tensions between rapid land transitions required for global climate commitments and the need for equitable, just land administration, particularly in the context of the Paris Agreement. The discussion highlighted the complexities of managing large-scale land shifts, recognizing that such transitions often generate negative consequences for vulnerable populations, especially those without formal land rights or facing intersecting social marginalizations. These challenges were framed in the context of both existing and emerging markets, including carbon markets, which require a careful balance of regulatory and institutional support to avoid adverse outcomes. Through an interactive format, the session encouraged participants to reflect on their experiences with navigating these trade-offs, considering the roles of states, non-state actors, and local communities in reconciling macro-level climate goals with micro-level justice and livelihood needs. Case studies and examples from various governance levels illustrated the need for institutions to adapt to new pressures while remaining responsive to local socio-cultural and economic contexts. The session underscored the importance of integrating justice into climate action, suggesting that effective land governance requires a nuanced approach that balances environmental objectives with the equitable distribution of both costs and benefits. Key takeaways included practical and policy recommendations for fostering fair transitions that are sensitive to local realities, advocating for institutional reforms that can support inclusive land management in the face of global climate imperatives.


This resource has been made available by the organizers of the World Bank Land Conference under the following disclaimer.