Abstract Public universities surrounded by frontline communities create the potential to serve as focal points for just transition strategies to address the climate crisis. University students from environmental justice communities can serve as just transition ambassadors as trusted messengers to facilitate equitable climate solutions and green workforce development. In the context of finite financial resources, state and philanthropic foundations should consider prioritizing investing in units within universities working with disinvested and low-income populations. More specifically, investing in university labor centers offers the greatest likelihood of obtaining desired outcomes. A case study of the University of California, Merced, is presented as a model for designating public universities in regions with high densities of climate-vulnerable groups as hubs for implementing just transition practices.
Paul Almeida (Thu,) studied this question.