A ‘just’ transition

A strong green and digital economy can regenerate local places and improve people’s lives. To turbocharge this shift, policymakers must understand people’s readiness for change, giving support, inspiring trust, and mobilising action.

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“As our lives are disrupted by climate impacts, we need confident, inclusive policies that enable us to realise the huge social, economic and health benefits of a green transition, as well as create a more stable, safe, and sustainable planet. Government, business and energy companies, and communities are all key stakeholders and co-leaders in reaching a fairer, greener future.”

Emily Morrison - Director of Sustainability and Just Transition, The Young Foundation

Talking transitions: the road to net zero

The UK government has pledged to hit net zero targets by 2050 – but, if we are to achieve that goal, community engagement is crucial. This short film from The Young Foundation’s Institute for Community Studies hears from members of the public, to gain a greater understanding of their concerns, and find out just how much – or how little – people understand about the challenge we face.

Our journey to net zero

In a two-year project funded by the Nuffield Foundation and developed with the University of Leeds, University of York and Trinity College Dublin, our Institute for Community Studies worked to understand family, community and household vulnerabilities in the transition to net zero.

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Political influence

A community-led net zero: how can we ensure a people-powered transition? Lib Dem conference 2023

Our CEO, Helen Goulden OBE, spoke on a panel about what a people-powered transition to net zero would look like at the Liberal Democrats conference 25 September 2023.

Community-led Net Zero: Helping vulnerable families participate in a successful transition? | SMF

The event was held in partnership with The Young Foundation’s Institute for Community Studies and Power to Change, who will be launching a radical new publication this autumn, exploring the impact of Net Zero on Britain’s poorest families.

Our spokespeople

Our vision for change

The Power of Participation: our vision 2024-28

Inequality Social innovation Systems change

30 November 2023

Embracing the spirit of our founder, Michael Young, our five-year strategy, The Power of Participation, shares our vision to redesign the social contract between people, communities, state and business and shape a fairer, greener future.

Rewriting the rulebook

Community Community leadership Community needs & priorities Places Systems change

9 July 2024

This policy brief outlines The Young Foundation’s vision for enhancing social participation in mission-based government.

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Community research

We are a not-for-profit tackling societal issues with a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach.

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Social innovation

Involving people from diverse sectors to shape game-changing initiatives.

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