Resilient communities and the just green transition: Towards adaptive and inclusive governance

Abstract

Resilience has gained prominence as a governance paradigm in addressing the sociological uncertainties inherent in Just Green Transitions (JGT). Thus, it offers a framework for navigating the complexities, disruptions, and interdependencies that characterise the shift toward sustainable and equitable systems. This article explores the role of community resilience in enabling adaptive and inclusive responses to transition-related shocks, inequalities, and systemic vulnerabilities. As societies shift away from fossil fuels and adopt cleaner technologies, some communities and individuals benefit while others are often faced with new challenges and are left behind. The paper addresses the question: how can resilient governance mechanisms be designed and implemented across different community contexts? Through a systematic literature review and case study analysis, the paper identifies enabling conditions for resilience strategies that support inclusivity in planning, decentralisation, and institutional learning. The findings present policy suggestions for policymakers, institutions, and community leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of green transition while ensuring strengthened social cohesion. The paper concludes by proposing a framework for resilience-based governance focused on distributive justice and human rights, contributing to more just and sustainable green transition trajectories.