Is a Fair Ecological Transition a Mirage?

The ecological transition is supposed to address the climate emergency while reducing social and economic inequalities. However, this dual mandate seems to come up against a paradox: how can we reconcile environmental commitment and social justice when we see the economic impact of carbon tax on fossil fuel-dependent populations? When do regulations penalise polluting sectors that provide jobs? However, it is argued by some that environmental policies may not necessarily weaken the most vulnerable if they are supplemented with, for example, occupational retraining or financial compensation. Moreover, at the international level, the most exposed countries lack the means to finance their transition. Yet, external support remains insufficient and misdirected, despite the fact that responsibility is shared, or even incumbent, on the most developed nation. Some are therefore proposing a historical approach to the concept of ecological debt, to re-establish the economic-natural accounting balance between countries. Does ecological transition inevitably benefit only those who can afford it?