Just transitions in practice: a study of justice discourses around low emission zones in London and Brussels

Keywords: low emission zone, environmental justice, transport justice, Brussels, London, discourse analysis
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 42

Abstract

Air pollution is a major public health challenge in urban areas, where high densities and traffic congestion contribute to elevated pollution levels. The increasing evidence base and public concern on the health effects of exposure to air pollution, combined with stricter environmental legislation, are forcing local governments to take drastic measures. One of the most popular policy instruments in Europe, the low emission zone (LEZ), defines a central area that restricts access of the most polluting vehicles based on emission standards. It is a contested instrument, with supporters who think it is a fair “polluter pays” instrument that especially benefits more deprived communities, while opponents fear an unequal social impact on people’s accessibility and finances. How is justice understood in this context, where trade-offs exist between different socio-ecological goods and bads?
Through more than 30 semi-structured interviews with policy makers and stakeholders in London and Brussels, two European capitals that have implemented a LEZ, I critically analyse the interpretation and mobilisation of interconnected environmental, social and transport justice concerns. I uncover how different forms and notions of justice are operationalised, and which role justice concerns play in policymaking and contestation. The analysis shows that justice is a context- and actor-specific concept, but I argue that by recognizing different viewpoints possible ways forward can be identified that might lead to greater agreement across stakeholders and more just transitions.