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Online Content Analysis of Asia-Pacific Organizations

Methodology
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This study aims to assess where and by which climate, agri-food, and environmental organizations the Just Transition framework and related frameworks are being employed across the Asia-Pacific region. The primary method used for the first portion of the study was an online content analysis, which involved systematically identifying explicit references to the Just Transition framework in organizational websites (i.e., mission statements, program descriptions, project descriptions, and other website content), publications (i.e., gray literature produced and made available by the organization), and social media (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, and other official organization accounts), and synthesizing such information accordingly. 

To deepen our understanding of the activities of such organizations and the frameworks they employ, we also examined whether organizations referenced other climate, agri-food, and environmental action frameworks in their online content–frameworks such as sustainable development, food sovereignty, conservation, and climate justice. This helps to explore and contextualize the application of Just Transition principles in different regional contexts. To achieve these objectives, especially in relation to populations of interest, we also identified key issues related to Indigenous rights, peasant rights, and human rights.  

We assessed a diverse range of organizations to capture efforts at different scales and across sectors within each country or territory, including social movements, universities and research centers, local, regional, and international NGOs, government initiatives, unions, and social enterprises. While such organizations and their frameworks and activities were cataloged in our database (Appendix A) and synthesized for our online content analysis, we recognize that additional organizations outside our database may exist and contribute to the broader picture of Just Transition efforts in the region. 

Ultimately, this multi-level approach enabled us to identify where and how Just Transition-related activities are taking place, providing a comprehensive view of efforts across various sectors and scales within the Asia-Pacific region, and helping us refine our approach to the second portion of this study: a comprehensive survey of climate, agri-food, and environmental organizations across the region in order to further assess and support Just Transition-related activities.

Organization Identification and Data Collection

Climate, agri-food, and environmental organizations were initially identified using the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) List of Accredited Organizations,6 our regional networks, Google search, and, where search engines presented limitations, generative AI tools were employed to enhance the search process. This was particularly helpful for countries and territories with less online visibility or where language barriers made information retrieval more challenging. Social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram were also useful for identifying organizations with limited online presence or those relying on social media for communication.

The research covered countries and territories across six subregions of the Asia-Pacific: Central Asia, East Asia, Oceania, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. Countries and territories were selected based on the United Nations Department for General Assembly and Conference Management database of countries in the Asia-Pacific region.7 However, additional countries and territories from the region that were not included in the UN database were included in the research due to their geopolitical importance or innovative approach across the region, such as Australia, Cook Islands, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Niue, Palestine, and Taiwan. In total, our database included 796 organizations across 60 countries and territories. 

In countries and territories where English is widely spoken, either due to historical colonial influences or substantial international civil society involvement, website content was easier to analyze. For others with dual-language websites or those predominantly in native languages, Google Translate was used to support translation efforts. However, more intensive searching was often required, relying on local language terms and alternative search platforms. 

In some cases, organizations that did not explicitly mention “Just Transition” or related frameworks and concepts on their websites had referenced these terms in news articles or blog posts, meriting their inclusion in our assessment and synthesis. For instance, while Caritas, an international organization, includes "food sovereignty" in its mission, local organizations in Indonesia and Timor-Leste may not consistently use the term on their "About" pages, but they may mention it in related articles or posts.

Relevant Contexts Influencing Methodology and Just Transition Strategies

We identified six distinct but related contexts across the Asia-Pacific region that shaped the searchability of climate, agri-food, and environmental organizations, as well as the nature of the frameworks and concepts they employ and their activities. We responded to such dynamics by recognizing how they might inform gaps and/or overrepresentation in the organizations catalogued and subsequently synthesizing their frameworks, concepts, and activities.

1. Political Repression and Civil Society Engagement

In countries with centralized political power, governance, and planning (and thus in all territories), political repression significantly limits the social space for citizens' civic participation.8 Research in these contexts should focus on identifying state-led initiatives and international organizations operating within these highly controlled spaces, using search terms such as “state-led climate initiatives.” Recognizing the utility of international NGOs in capturing relevant data on Just Transition efforts in these regions is also important.

2. Conflict and Instability

In conflict-ridden countries like Syria and Afghanistan, Just Transition efforts tend to prioritize community resilience, food sovereignty, and the rebuilding of self-sufficiency.9 These regions are characterized by localized, often cooperative-based, and women-led initiatives that focus on survival and long-term recovery. These initiatives align closely with Just Transition principles by addressing both environmental and social justice in a decentralized, justice-driven manner. In these contexts, local movements, often operating in difficult conditions, are the most effective actors. Therefore, research should emphasize grassroots efforts through search terms like “cooperative agriculture,” “community-based food sovereignty,” and “women-led recovery,” which capture the localized, justice-oriented approaches to environmental resilience and sustainability in these conflict zones.

3. Social Media and Networks

Access to social media plays a pivotal role in shaping Just Transition movements across the Asia-Pacific. In regions with open access to digital platforms, such as India and Bangladesh, grassroots movements utilize social media for advocacy, coordination, and resource mobilization, amplifying their voices and connecting with larger networks. In contrast, in countries like China, where social media is relatively regulated, grassroots movements must take different approaches to organizing and disseminating information. These groups often use alternative methods, such as operating through local platforms or offline networks. Research should take into account these differences in digital access, using terms like “WeChat AND environmental advocacy” and “state-controlled AND digital activism.”

4. Industry and Labor

In most Gulf States, migrant labor plays a central role in large-scale infrastructure projects, including those related to green transitions. However, these workers often lack legal protections and face exploitative working conditions, raising significant concerns about labor rights.10 While these projects are often framed as part of a green or just transition, they conflict with Just Transition principles, which advocate for fair labor practices and equitable participation in the benefits of such transitions. The broader environment of labor repression and civic restriction further disempowers migrant workers and those advocating for their rights.11 Research in these regions should focus on the intersection of labor rights and environmental justice, using search terms such as “migrant labor in green transition,” “labor exploitation in energy projects,” and “worker rights in Gulf infrastructure development” to capture the labor dynamics that affect Just Transition efforts.12

5. Religious and Cultural Influences

Religious and cultural practices play a significant role in shaping Just Transition activities, especially in Muslim-majority countries. In these countries, religious practices such as zakat (charitable giving) drive many social welfare programs, which often align with the goals of Just Transition by focusing on poverty alleviation, food distribution, and social welfare. To capture the influence of religion on Just Transition efforts, research should include search terms such as “Islamic charity and environmental justice,” “zakat-based welfare programs,” and “religion and social welfare in climate adaptation.” These terms will help focus on the intersection of religious charity and Just Transition principles, especially in the Gulf context.

6. Grassroots Organizations vs. International NGOs

The distinction between international NGOs and local grassroots organizations is particularly important in regions such as the Pacific Islands and South Asia. In Pacific Island nations, international NGOs dominate the civil society landscape due to their larger budgets and ability to implement large-scale projects. These organizations are crucial for addressing regional environmental challenges but may struggle to engage deeply with local communities, whose needs can vary significantly from island to island. 

In contrast, countries like India and Bangladesh are home to vibrant grassroots movements that focus on issues such as food sovereignty, Indigenous rights, and environmental justice. These movements are often more attuned to local needs and solutions, even if they don’t always use Just Transition language. To differentiate between these two types of organizations, researchers should use search terms such as “international NGOs in Pacific Islands,” “large-scale climate initiatives,” and “local grassroots organizations in South Asia.” This will enable a clearer understanding of how Just Transition is being implemented in each region.

Understanding the diverse political, social, and environmental contexts of the Asia-Pacific is crucial for developing effective Just Transition strategies. Regional dynamics, including limited political space, conflict, labor exploitation, and social norms, all shape how Just Transition principles are applied. Methodologies should therefore be tailored to reflect these dynamics, with specific search terms that focus on the unique challenges and opportunities in each subregion. By considering these factors, researchers can develop more nuanced understandings and regionally relevant approaches to supporting Just Transition efforts across the Asia-Pacific.

Data Analysis

This study analyzed data from 796 organizations spanning 60 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region. Many of these organizations operate as networks, linking local grassroots movements to address a wide range of environmental issues, including agricultural sustainability, climate resilience, Indigenous rights, and renewable energy transition.

The research methodology enabled a comprehensive understanding of the diverse and multifaceted approaches being implemented within the region to advance Just Transition principles and related frameworks. By capturing data on both local and regional efforts, the study highlighted the critical role of local organizations in crafting region-specific solutions to environmental challenges. Additionally, the analysis underscored the varying influence of international NGOs compared to local organizations in shaping Just Transition efforts across the region. This approach facilitated a deeper exploration of how these organizations interact, collaborate, and influence the overall trajectory of Just Transition initiatives.

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