A Breakthrough for Rights and Justice
The Just Transition mechanism was adopted at COP30 as one of the strongest rights-based outcomes in the history of the UN climate negotiations.
The Just Transition mechanism stands as the major achievement of COP30 and for workers and communities across the world. More ambition on climate is possible if we put social justice at the heart. No COP decision has ever carried such ambitious and comprehensive language on rights and inclusion: human rights; labour rights; the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-decendants; and strong references to gender equality, women’s empowerment, education, youth development, and more.
This outcome did not happen by accident. This is the result of the hard fought struggles and collective power of trade unions, communities, social movements, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, and civil society over many years and especially escalating this year for an outcome at this COP.
The Just Transition mechanism, popularly known as the Belém Action Mechanism or BAM, by activists and chanted in the COP30 halls, also opens promising discussions on support for Just Transition pathways: a clear reference to additional, grant-based finance and recognition of the barriers that prevent Just Transition efforts.
A first victory in this process, this is by no means the end. Movements will remain active and determined to secure their seat at the table and ensure the agreed operationalisation of the mechanism by next year.
The COP30 closing plenary session erupts in cheers of “BAM! BAM! BAM!” as the Belém Action Mechanism finally becomes a reality.
Why BAM is Needed
Climate change and inequality cannot be solved in silos.
Many countries cannot deliver a fair transition without international cooperation and finance.
Workers, communities, and local innovators are already building solutions – and they need support, coordination, and accountability at scale.
What BAM Will Do
BAM will:
• Unlock finance and technical assistance for national and local Just Transition plans.
• Remove barriers like debt burdens and unfair trade rules that block progress.
• Connect efforts across sectors – energy, agriculture, industry, adaptation – to ensure learning and replication of success.
• Make justice measurable by linking global ambition with social and economic outcomes.
Tens of thousands join global marches calling on
governments at COP30 to deliver climate justice
