Call for Proposals for "Just Transitions Climate Conference"— April 3-5, 2025
The Charles A. Scontras Center for Labor and Community Education is calling for proposals from union leaders, activists, academics and others for potential workshops and discussions on issues related to building a new clean energy economy that supports good quality jobs and economic security for working class people. The proposals will be considered to be included in a conference titled “Just Transitions: How Can We Fight the Climate Crisis and Achieve Economic and Social Justice?” to be held at the University of Southern Maine on April 3-5, 2025.
The urgency of the climate crisis has sparked movements calling for the immediate shut down of polluting industries such as coal plants, pipelines, and refineries while promoting clean energy infrastructure and electric vehicles, thus ushering in a new, “clean energy economy.” However, too often proponents of these measures overlook workers and communities affected by these transitions. The concept of a "just transition" seeks to ensure workers' livelihoods and community well-being during these shifts to a new economy, but its meaning is widely debated.
Does a just transition simply consist of a “superfund for workers” or is it also a chance to undo oppression of marginalized groups who have historically borne the brunt of environmental injustice? How do we not only protect the livelihoods of workers currently employed in polluting industries, but also ensure that new clean energy jobs are union Jobs that give workers power in the workplace? How do we protect communities from “green washing” of exploitative business practices? This Summit will create space to examine and debate these questions from diverse perspectives.
Proposal Guidelines: The Scontras Center invites submissions from individuals or groups including community activists, union leaders, scholars, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty members, researchers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about creating a sustainable, just, and equitable future. This conference aims to bring together a wide range of voices and perspectives on the topic of “Just Transition.”