JUST TRANSITION The Road to Sustainability BY samarys seguinot medina
The just transition is a framework that promotes the change of an economy and a style of governance based on the dependence of finite resources (such as oil) and helps us move to a participatory economic system focused on sustainability. Currently the economic and governance model in the United States (especially in Alaska) focuses on the exploitation of non-renewable resources and environmental injustice towards minority groups, indigenous peoples and Alaska Natives which is increasingly evident.
The just transition is a process of a participatory economy focus on providing for the well-being of all, promotes actions to reduce the causes of climate change (use of renewable resources to create energy such as sun and wind) and protect biodiversity. We only have one Mother Earth; it is our civic responsibility to take care of it and use its resources in a sustainable manner. So that our children, grandchildren and their children can enjoy clean air, clean water and toxic free food. But above all, its purpose is peace and environmental justice. Social media keeps us informed, but also distracted by a culture of consumption, extractive culture and exploitation, often emphasizing fashion, wealth and the culture of power.
Still many of the inventions and technologies are created to meet the military needs of the country. The just transition seeks to unlearn the old economy and governance of human and planetary wear and tear to give space to learning new ideas where the health and wellbeing of communities and human beings is the focus. The regenerative economy emphasizes a global culture of care and sacredness. It is a process where the use of resources focuses on regeneration and planning for a more fair and healthy future. It a call to be stewards of the Earth. Where cooperative work is the axis and its purpose are social and ecological welfare. This is based on a commitment to deep democracy which suggests that all voices, realities and states of consciousness are considered at the same level of importance. Dr. Samarys Seguinot Medina is the Environmental Health Program Director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT). ACAT is an environmental health and justice non-profit based in Anchorage, Alaska. Its mission: We believe everyone has the right to clean air, clean water, and toxic-free food. Driven by a core belief in environmental justice, ACAT empowers communities to eliminate exposure to toxics through collaborative research, shared science, education, organizing, and advocacy.
