Coal Communities Struggle to Diversify - learning from Shanxi and Wyoming
As domestic and international demand for coal drops, Wyoming coal companies are cutting employee benefits or laying off workers. In 2015, Wyoming experienced the highest U.S. unemployment spike. In the following year, approximately 500 coal miners were laid off in one day. With many coal communities facing financial collapse, Wyoming industries, governments, and workers are searching at home and abroad for models for diversifying their local economy.
In coal-dependent communities in Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, where almost half of all coal mines were “suspended or partially suspended,” the energy transition has been particularly difficult for older workers. Facing layoffs, these workers seek the same solution as miners in Wyoming: a just transition. Read more
Canada will transition from thermal coal production and use by 2030
The Just Transition Task Force for Canadian Coal Power Workers and Communities looks at how to make it a just transition.
See what they’ve learnt: http://ow.ly/6d4B30o0Tn2
Voices of the Valley shares its plans for Latrobe Valley's future
It could be suggested that a grassroots plan for a post-coal future was heard in the corridors of State Government. The announcement of a $40 million 'Hi-Tech' precinct in Morwell to diversify the region's economy into new industries is similar to a plan devised by advocacy group, Voices of the Valley.
Government says No worker will be ‘left behind’ as Collie transitions from coal-mining
Shadow resources minister Madeleine King said coal still had a future in WA and Australia’s energy mix, just not in the regional mining hub in the South West as it faces uncertainty with the coal-fired Muja Power Station potentially shutting down in six years’ time.
Read moreSurviving a post-coal economy
In Hazard, Kentucky, a diversified economy is emerging.
Coal-fired power plants are closing early and Colorado lawmakers want to ease towns’ tough transition
The Colorado Energy Impact Assistance Act - a bill working its way through legislature under the title of House Bill 1037 - would provide funds and at the same time lower the financial impact of power-plant closures on utility customers. Read more
Germany to move ahead quickly on implementing coal exit
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's ruling coalition will move quickly to begin implementing the recommendations of a government-appointed commission for exiting coal power by 2038, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier told German broadcaster ARD on Sunday.
Read the full article here
Unions at the Global Climate Action Summit – making the case for a Just Transition
Unions leaders and representatives from Australia, Canada, Norway, South Africa, the USA, are advocating for national and city ambition on climate action and Just Transition at this week’s Global Climate Action Summit in California. Read more
Read moreSocially just energy transition for coal workers no pie in the sky, study finds
Socially just energy transition for coal workers no pie in the sky, study finds
As the UN's climate chief called for more "urgency" from negotiators at the ongoing Bangkok climate talks, a new international report found that a socially just transition is already feasible for coal workers and communities, while a global decline in coal production is expected.