Case studies from transition processes in coal dependent communities

摘要: The energy transition is imminent. Coal has been the dominant source of electricity generation for the past few centuries. With growing environmental awareness and the looming threat of climate change, this trend is beginning to show signs of change. In many parts of the world, renewable energy is now cheaper than new-build coal power, and expected to soon be cheaper than existing coal fired plants. Like all change, this transition is socially and economically disruptive, consequently affecting the lives of people especially workers and local communities in coal mining areas. In particular, communities in the global south experience a disproportionate impact of the transition to a low carbon economy. Hence it is important to fairly consider and address their concerns. These concerns are shared by the global climate dialogue and labour organisations alike.The inclusion of a just transition for these communities may also be a prerequisite for the acceleration of the energy transition which climate protection requires. Hence, fossil-fuel based communities have to be taken on a just transition journey to ensure we can make the transition happen in time.