THE CORRELATION OF GREEN TRANSFORMATION, ECOLOGICAL MODERNIZATION, AND DECARBONIZATION: A MULTI-LEVEL APPROACH IN CONTEMPORARY LABOR LAW

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and legal foundations of the correlation between ecological modernization, green transformation, and decarbonization in the field of labor relations. It is substantiated that modern environmental policy has a complex impact on labor relations, leading both to positive changes (modernization of production, development of green jobs, improvement of occupational safety standards) and to new socio-economic risks, in particular workforce displacement and unequal access to employment.

It is established that ecological modernization, green transformation, and decarbonization are not identical categories, but differ in terms of scale, mechanisms of implementation, and the nature of their impact on labor relations. It is proven that ecological modernization is mainly manifested at the enterprise level and is associated with changes in the content of work and production standards; green transformation operates at the macroeconomic level and leads to structural changes in employment; while decarbonization has a specialized nature and most directly affects the termination or transformation of labor relations in carbon-intensive sectors.

The multi-level nature of the correlation between these concepts is substantiated, according to which green transformation acts as a general category, ecological modernization functions as a specific mechanism for its implementation, and decarbonization represents a specialized direction aimed at achieving climate goals. It is determined that the incorrect identification of these categories may lead to the improper selection of legal instruments for regulating labor relations.

The main directions of the impact of environmental transformations on labor relations are analyzed, including changes in the content of the labor function, increasing qualification requirements for workers, transformation of employment structures, and the need to introduce special guarantees for employees. Particular attention is paid to the concept of just transition, which is considered as a normatively determined response of labor law to the socio-economic consequences of environmental transformations.

It is concluded that there is a need to transform the role of labor law, which should ensure not only the protection of employees, but also adaptation to the conditions of ecological modernization, green transformation, and decarbonization by balancing economic, environmental, and social interests.

Keywords: ecological modernization, green transformation, decarbonization, labor relations, labor rights, just transition, sustainable development, green jobs.