How to Make Coal Transitions Fair for All: Just Transition toolbox for coal regions
To implement the global climate targets, a timely phase-out of coal is imperative. Doing so is not only an energy challenge, it is even more a question of how to distribute the burdens and gains of this transition and how to make sure everybody concerned is involved in the process. Against this background, the Wuppertal Institute has developed the Just Transition toolbox for coal regions, a comprehensive compendium of experiences and good practices with references and links to existing handbooks, tools and guidelines. The toolbox is now available on a dedicated website in three languages.
"Obviously, coal regions across the globe face very different challenges: from socio-economic conditions over political and institutional set-ups to cultural differences," says Jenny Kurwan, Researcher in the Structural Change and Innovation Research Unit at the Wuppertal Institute and co-author of the toolbox. "However, we believe that regions can still learn a lot from each other". Thus, the new toolbox is not meant as a blueprint but rather a source of information and inspiration. It largely builds on knowledge the Wuppertal Institute has gained in analysing and engaging with coal regions in Europe, but has been expanded by a large number of examples from countries like South Africa, India, Chile, Canada, Indonesia, and others.
Starting to manage the transition early is key
Transitioning away from coal is a complex process: regions have to diversify their economy, develop new sustainable business models and need to strike a balance between potential losers and winners of this transition. "Historical cases like the transition of the German Ruhr area have shown that these processes can take many decades. That's why an early start is absolutely crucial," emphasises Jannis Beutel, Junior Researcher in the same Research Unit and co-author of the toolbox. "Even in countries which have not committed to phasing out coal yet, regional governments should start today to develop the basis for a green economy, a future beyond coal."
To reach a better understanding of regional challenges and discourses, the Wuppertal Institute's team engaged with practitioners across the globe in interviews and a series of online events, in which experiences on how to manage coal transitions were presented to and discussed with stakeholders, knowledge and practice partners from coal regions. "In our events we have tried to touch upon some blind spots of the current Just Transition debates," exclaims Jenny Kurwan. "For example, in the EU informal workers are not a key issue in the coal sector – in a country like India it is decisive." Understanding the commonalities but also the distinct differences between coal regions in Europe and countries of the Global South will be key, when it comes to developing vital pathways to phase out coal globally.
Website offers toolbox in three languages
The toolbox, its most important messages as well as recordings from the online events are now published on a new project website. It gives a comprehensive overview of the topic of Just Transition and the five main themes of the toolbox: strategy, governance, energy, industry, and employment. The Just Transition toolbox can be downloaded in three languages free of charge: English, Spanish, and soon Indonesian.
The project has been financially supported by the European Union's Partnership Instrument and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) in the context of the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
Contact press release
Anna Riesenweber, stellv. Leitung Kommunikation, Online-Redaktion
Tel.: +49 202 2492-106
Fax: +49 202 2492-108
E-Mail: anna.riesenweber@wupperinst.org
Further information
Website: Coal Transition Toolbox
JT-Box - Just Transition Toolbox for Coal Regions