Handbook on the Welfare State and Climate Change

This innovative Handbook explores the far-reaching interrelationship between welfare states and climate change. It integrates analysis of social and climate policies, highlighting the ways in which these policies interact with inequality, social protection systems and welfare states more broadly.Leading experts combine theoretical perspectives, from different disciplines, with empirical evidence from both high and low-income countries. They leverage key green transition frameworks, such as just transition and sustainable welfare, examining who bears the costs and who benefits from climate policies, and whether specific institutions or public policies can cushion adverse social impacts. Presenting insights into normative principles of green transitions and their implications for welfare institutions and other key sectors, such as energy and transport, contributing authors also consider the gendered dimension of climate change and transitions. They highlight how intersecting inequalities must be met with inclusive transition processes and valorisation of forms of social participation, including informal care work and democratic engagement, to promote wellbeing and equality within planetary boundaries.The Handbook on the Welfare State and Climate Change is a crucial resource for scholars and students of social and public policy, sociology, environmental studies, sustainability and climate change studies. Educators, policymakers and professionals in climate governance and sustainable development will also benefit from its astute insights.