Just Transition is the concept that involves factors to equity and fairer outcomes. The focus of this blog is to highlight how people-centric climate action is to be prioritized, discussing climate adaptation and just transition.
The main issue we're addressing is equity and opportunity for those who are most burdened by climate change and the transition to sustainable energy sources. This is particularly relevant for people working in energy hotspots such as mining, agriculture, and the automobile industry, as well as their families and others affected by climate adaptation.
To put this in simple terms: People who work in mining will be unemployed if there's a shift from coal to renewable energy. Similarly, those working in the automobile sector may lose their jobs as vehicles transition to electric power. The concept of just transition was developed for people like these, ensuring that no one is left behind as the world shifts to a climate-adaptive lifestyle.
What is the issue we are addressing? Equity and opportunity for those who are most burdened by climate change and transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
Who are the affected population? People who are working in the energy hotspots (Mining, agriculture, automobile, etc), their families and other people affected by climate adaptation.
Our recent project with the Ashoka Centre for a People-centric Energy Transition (ACPET) addressed a part of the overall Just Transition ecosystem. The study was conducted ‘To Understand Impact of Coal Mine Closure and Transitioning Mining Communities to Sustainable Lives and Livelihoods’. The project aims at developing “community-centric” mine closure plans that will focus on the impacted people/community – their lives and livelihoods, repurposing the mining land and other assets as well as on environmental remediation. It emphasizes community-specific strategies to ensure economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in transitioning away from coal mining, aligning with India's commitment to balanced energy transition, economic growth, and social equity.
Our study of the Rajhara Colliery area in Palamu District, Jharkhand, revealed the multifaceted impact of mine discontinuation on the local socio-economic fabric. We observed significant shifts in employment patterns, migration trends, and economic activities, resulting in adverse effects on livelihoods and community well-being.
The social impact of mine closure is profound, including:
These issues underscore the need for targeted interventions. Moreover, we found that individuals aspire for alternative livelihoods and skilling opportunities, revealing a potential pathway for sustainable economic development.
As of today, in India, there are no closed mines. As per the Indian Bureau of Mines, at the national level, there are 297 abandoned mine sites out of which only 106 are Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Although the closure protocol guidelines were released in 2012 and are amended from time to time, there has been no single mine in the country that is to be labelled as closed, as multiple factors govern the matter. The whole mine closure scenario will be picked up in the country soon and with it the focus on Just Transition will become primary.
Mine closure is one of the many examples of how Just Transition is to be kept at the centre of planning to shift toward climate adaptation practices.
Shifting to a low-carbon economy for a country as vast as India both in landscape and social practices, would be a challenge. This necessitates that transition is inclusive and fair for all stakeholders. Those most likely to be affected by the climate change and the shift away from fossil fuels, must be catered to with new economic opportunities, with relevant education and training. Workers are to be transitioned to new sectors and it is to be ensured that no one is left behind. By aligning climate adaptation with a just transition, societies can build resilience while promoting social equity, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
For more details on the project, contact Dr. Rajesh Khanna and Trapti Malviya.
Photo Credit: Supratim Bhattacharjee
