As countries move towards a green economy to avoid climate collapse and other environmental dead ends, it has become clear that this process has consequences beyond the environment and the economy. This can be seen in other examples of large-scale transitions historically, for instance, in changes connected to economic reforms or technological developments, such as the Industrial Revolution, and instances of post-conflict developments in countries moving from war to peace. Such transition processes may at first seem two-dimensional, e.g. economic-social or economic-environmental. However, at a closer look they are often multidimensional, reflecting interwoven and conflicting economic, environmental and social needs at the same time.

For the transition to a green economy, it is now evident that the social implications – whether positive or negative – will be drastic. When industries transform at the scale and speed required to stay within planetary boundaries, jobs will change or disappear, new health challenges and opportunities will arise and education systems will need to adapt.[1] If not managed well, the transition to a green economy in any given country has the potential to jeopardize achievements on social justice and human rights and to question a society’s entire social contract. The transition requires a common vision that considers the benefits and losses from all perspectives. As a result, the ability of governments to understand and manage the multidimensional dynamics of a green transition is critical.