China's solar dominance - Worker Rights in the Pursuit of a Just Transition

Jackson, Bethany; Burcu, Oana

Abstract

This article examines the intersection between forced labour, supply chains risks, and environmental, social and governance concerns that pose a threat to the 'Just Transition'. It addresses how states, businesses, and other stakeholders drive or fail Just Transitions and why? Through an application of a 'policy currents framework' to the case study of solar panel supply chains originating in China, we analyse states, international organisations, civil society organisations' framing of modern slavery issues in the context of the 'Just Transition'. We focus on the framing of challenges and solutions to the nexus of forced labour and climate change. We draw attention to the fact decarbonisation risks are being achieved at the cost of labour rights abuses within supply chains, question whether the concept of renewable sources are 'Just' and provide a series of recommendations for stakeholders.

Citation

Jackson, B., & Burcu, O. (in press). China's solar dominance - Worker Rights in the Pursuit of a Just Transition. Business and Human Rights Journal,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 26, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 5, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 5, 2025
• Journal: Business and Human Rights Journal
• Print ISSN: 2057-0198
• Electronic ISSN: 2057-0201
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: solar energy; Just Transition; forced labour; Uyghurs
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/46188756