Shaping the green transition: 10 Key messages for Nordic policymakers

A just green transition requires effective policies to address the complex social and regional consequences of shifting to a sustainable, low-carbon, and circular economy. Nordregio’s new policy brief, Towards a Just Green Transition: 10 Key messages for Nordic policymakers, presents ten research-based insights highlighting the social and economic dimensions of the green transition.

green landscape with a policy brief title: Towards a just green transition - 10 key messages for Nordic policymakers

The policy brief stresses the importance of inclusive and place-based policies to ensure that no group or region is left behind in the green transition. The 10 key messages summarise findings on how perceptions, local contexts, and participation influence public support for climate action across the Nordic Region. They offer guidance for policymakers to design fair and effective policies that balance environmental goals with social equity.

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Perceptions, place and participation shape support for the green transition

“Concern for climate change and public support for the green transition are widespread across the Nordic Region,” says Nora Sánchez Gassen, senior research fellow at Nordregio and lead author of the policy brief. “But acceptance depends on how people perceive the impact of these policies on their daily lives and livelihoods. Different regions and social groups experience these impacts differently.”

People across the Nordics expect the green transition to deliver benefits such as cleaner air and new job opportunities. At the same time, some express worries over job security and cost of living, especially among workers in carbon-intensive industries and residents in rural areas. “Simply creating green jobs is not enough,” Sánchez Gassen explains. “These jobs must offer decent wages, stability, and opportunities for upskilling to ensure communities relying on traditional industries do not lose out.”

“Navigating this transition means balancing environmental and economic goals with social fairness,” Sánchez Gassen adds. “Our research shows that targeted policies and inclusive engagement are critical to maintaining public trust and political support. Tailored and inclusive approaches are also needed to avoid deepening inequalities.”

The 10 key messages at a glance

1. Climate worry outweighs green transition concerns across the Nordics.
Climate concern is widespread across the Nordics. While some worry about job losses or rising costs, climate change remains the greater concern.

2. Many Nordic people expect the green transition to bring benefits
Many expect tangible benefits from the green transition but some also express worries about jobs and costs in some areas.

3. Climate communication should spark hope, especially among young people
Positive shared visions help counteract apathy and disengagement. Effective communication about the green transition should be transparent about challenges but also highlight progress, benefits and shared goals.

4. Inclusive stakeholder engagement can improve climate policy design and public legitimacy
Meaningful and timely involvement of diverse stakeholders enhances policy quality and acceptance. Engagement must be structured and impactful, and accessible to all affected groups to build trust.

5. Emissions reductions are technically feasible but politically challenging
Technical solutions exist, but political will and public support remain key barriers. Building fair and inclusive policies is essential.

6. Perceived local and household impacts influence climate policy support
Support depends on how individuals perceive impacts on household finances and local job markets. Targeted social support is needed to address uneven burdens.

7. Survey results indicate public support for stronger climate action, even if it means higher taxes
Support for increased investment in climate action is widespread, although it varies by region and demographics.

8. Place-based policies are key to avoid deepening regional inequalities
Spatial and sectoral differences affect how communities experience the green transition. Tailoring policies to local conditions can prevent economic and social disparities from deepening.

9. Job quality and inclusive skills development are important to sustain public support
Green jobs must offer decent wages, stability, and accessible reskilling opportunities aligned with local labour market needs.

10. The Nordic Toolbox offers practical guidance for delivering a just green transition
Policymakers can use this resource for designing and implementing fair, inclusive, and effective policies.

Research-based resources and practical tools for policymakers

The policy brief draws on research conducted between 2021 and 2025 through two major projects – Ensuring Inclusive Economic Growth in the Transition to a Green Economy (EnIGG) and Not Just a Green Transition (NJUST) – commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers and carried out by Nordregio. These projects examine the green transition’s impacts across different social groups and regions in the Nordic countries, offering evidence-based recommendations for just and inclusive policy design.

Meaningful stakeholder engagement, job quality, and targeted social support are among the essential factors for sustaining political and public backing. While the policy brief draws attention to the key dimensions of policy design for a just green transition, further guidance is also available the Nordic Toolbox for a Just Green Transition and the numerous publications produced during the projects and published by Nordregio.

“The toolbox is grounded in extensive research and consultations. It provides actionable guidance on integrating justice principles into policy design, promoting regional equity, and ensuring broad participation,” Sánchez Gassen says. “It is a resource for policymakers committed to making the green transition both sustainable and socially inclusive.”

The full policy brief, research reports, other publications, and the toolbox are all available online. These resources provide policymakers with evidence-based guidance to support an environmentally and socially sustainable Nordic future.