Just Transition - TERI

We are excited to share the launch of the sixth edition of “Vichaar-Vimarsh: Just Transition Newsletter.” https://lnkd.in/geGnXHZr This unique edition highlights “Labour Informality in the Coal-Producing Geographies in India: Issues and Perspectives,” with a strong emphasis on a people-centered transition. 🌱 As we advance into a future driven by sustainable energy, it is essential to emphasise a strategy centered around people. This edition features valuable insights from top scholars and researchers on how to effectively support the most vulnerable populations, particularly informal workers in coal-dependent areas, during this transition. We are also pleased to share with you our pilot initiative to generate alternative livelihood choices for the women of Giridih, Jharkhand where 49 women were established as successful business entrepreneurs by forming them into Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) and providing them training on incense stick production, mop and wiper manufacturing etc. This was our attempt to test out what an inclusive, equitable transition should fructify as. 📚 This issue features articles on: ⭐ C J Joseph, All India Trade Union Congress discusses the origins of just transition and its relevance to India. ⭐Vaibhav Raaj, International Labour Organization connects climate action in India’s coal sector with the Decent Work Agenda. ⭐Itay Noy, PhD, from the UCL explores the livelihoods of informal coal workers in Jharkhand. ⭐Setu Pelz, now with the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) examines coal’s impact on rural livelihoods in Jharkhand. ⭐Prosanto Pal and Kapil Thool, TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute provide insights into the energy transition in India’s steel sector. ⭐Abhishek Kumar, research scholar at the SOAS University of London navigates the complexities of just transition with a focus on South Africa. You can read our newsletter online at https://lnkd.in/geGnXHZr For more details, check out our website https://justtransition.in/ Girish Sethi | A K Saxena | Jayanta mitra | Apoorva Singh | Arpita Victor #JustTransition #SustainableFuture #CleanEnergy #Newsletter #energy #energytransition #g20 #g20india #coalpower #livelihoods #coalmining #criticalminerals #netzero #justtransition #dmf #welfare #justice #renewableenergy #netzero #decarbonization #leavenoonebehind #india

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute, with support from the MacArthur Foundation, initiated a #pilotproject focused on #JustTransition to create #sustainablelivelihoods and #empowerwomen in India's #coalmining regions. The documentary 'As She Changes' follows the experiences of women from four villages in Giridih, Jharkhand—Karharbari, Kongdi, Chilga, and Tikodih—where TERI carried out the pilot. ⏯️ Check out the video to learn more 👉 https://lnkd.in/gty-D528 The project aimed to foster self-reliance through #entrepreneurship, addressing the fact that 90% of the #localpopulation depends on #coalmining for their #livelihoods. By equipping women with alternative #skills and supporting the establishment of #businessenterprises, the initiative sought to reduce this dependency and promote #sustainabledevelopment. #JustTransition #CoalEconomy #CoalMining

TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute is organising the #photoexhibition titled "Coal Dependence: Lives in an Extractive Economy," curated as a part of the "#JustTransition: Understanding and the Implications of Moving Away from #Coal" project supported by the MacArthur Foundation on July 25 and 26, 2024 at their Delhi Headquarters. This exhibition, curated by Dr Jayanta mitra, aims to shed light on the lives of communities that are intricately connected to the #coaleconomy, which is central to the just #energytransition debate. Through a series of compelling #photographs, the #exhibition examined the everyday realities of individuals engaged in #selling, #extracting, and #transporting coal which happens in the absence of alternate lucrative means of income. These images poignantly highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by these #communities as we #transition towards #cleanerenergy sources, which inevitably entails moving away from carbon intensive #energysources. The photo exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, and graced by Mr Ajay Shankar and Mr Jiwesh Nandan, Distinguished Fellows at TERI. The inauguration also involved the release of "Voices from the Ground: A Travelogue" documenting stories of people living in India's #coalbelt and the perspectives of various stakeholders. 🖼 The photo exhibition is open for all! 📅 Date: 25 and 26 July, 2024 🕦 Time: 11:30 am - 7:00 pm 📍 Venue: TERI Headquarters, Seminar Hall, Ground Floor, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi - 110003 Girish Sethi | A K Saxena | Apoorva Singh | Arpita Victor

We are proud to showcase a photo exhibition from our fieldwork in the eastern coal belt. This exhibition aims to depict the ground realities of these areas, highlighting the daily lives of local communities, the living conditions of those staying close to the coal mines and how coal is deeply entrenched in their lives. Please visit the TERI office on 25-26th July to catch a glimpse of their lives ! TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute #CoalMining #Sustainability #MineClosure #JustTransition #CoalSectorTransition #SustainableFuture #CleanEnergy #energy #energytransition #g20 #g20india #coalpower #livelihoods #coalmining #criticalminerals #netzero #welfare #justice #renewableenergy #decarbonization #leavenoonebehind #india #JustTransitionSeminar #SustainablePath #LowCarbonFuture #CoalSector #CollaborativeAction #EnvironmentalResilience #Photoexhibiton

We are proud to showcase a photo exhibition from our fieldwork in the eastern coal belt. This exhibition aims to depict the ground realities of these areas, highlighting the daily lives of local communities, the living conditions of those staying close to the coal mines and how coal is deeply entrenched in their lives. Please visit the TERI office on 25-26th July to catch a glimpse of their lives ! TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute #CoalMining #Sustainability #MineClosure #JustTransition #CoalSectorTransition #SustainableFuture #CleanEnergy #energy #energytransition #g20 #g20india #coalpower #livelihoods #coalmining #criticalminerals #netzero #welfare #justice #renewableenergy #decarbonization #leavenoonebehind #india #JustTransitionSeminar #SustainablePath #LowCarbonFuture #CoalSector #CollaborativeAction #EnvironmentalResilience #Photoexhibiton

We are glad to share that TERI in partnership with SCORE Livelihood Foundation, started a pilot implementation project "People-Centric Transition: An Initiative for Women Empowerment in India's Coal Mining Regions" in Giridih, Jharkhand by helping women establish business enterprises in order to have alternative livelihood choices and end their complete dependence on coal. The project enhanced women's professional outlook through - ⭐Business idea generation workshop ⭐Need based training and capacity building ⭐Financial literacy ⭐Business development ⭐Establishing backward and forward market linkages ⭐increasing outlook through workshops and stakeholder interactions Girish Sethi A K Saxena Jayanta mitra Apoorva Singh Arpita Victor #Act4Earth #CoalMining #Sustainability #India #MineClosure #JustTransition #CoalSectorTransition #SustainableFuture #CleanEnergy #energy #energytransition #g20 #g20india #coalpower #livelihoods #coalmining #criticalminerals #netzero #welfare #justice #renewableenergy #decarbonization #leavenoonebehind #india #JustTransitionSeminar #SustainablePath #LowCarbonFuture #CoalSector #CollaborativeAction #EnvironmentalResilience

☘ Transforming Coal Mines into Eco-Tourism Hubs: A Path to Sustainable Development ☘ The repurposing of closed coal mines into eco-tourism destinations is a brilliant example of sustainable innovation. One notable success story is the Kenapara Eco Park in Surajpur, Chhattisgarh. Originally an underground mine abandoned for over 30 years, it was transformed by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) into a vibrant eco-park in 2018. This initiative not only revitalizes the land but also provides alternative income sources for local communities, with women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) managing and operating the park. The Ministry of Coal and Coal India Limited are setting a powerful example of how sustainability and community empowerment can go hand in hand. By converting these sites into eco-friendly parks, repurposing of coal mines can create new livelihoods and also promote economic development in regions transitioning away from coal dependency. #Act4Earth #CoalMining #Sustainability #India #MineClosure #EthicalMining #JustTransition #CoalSectorTransition #SustainableFuture #CleanEnergy #energy #energytransition #g20 #g20india #coalpower #livelihoods #coalmining #criticalminerals #netzero #welfare #justice #renewableenergy #decarbonization #leavenoonebehind #india #SustainablePath #LowCarbonFuture #CoalSector #CollaborativeAction #EnvironmentalResilience

Embracing Agriculture: Transitioning from Coal in India As we tackle the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation, it is crucial that we prioritise a fair and equitable shift away from coal. Agriculture is one such solution which could help support local communities in diversifying livelihoods. The Effects of Coal Mining on Agriculture ⭐ Land Degradation: Coal mining depletes topsoil, rendering land infertile and unfit for farming, affecting 15-17% of land in Raniganj and Jharia. ⭐Deforestation: Extensive mining leads to forest clearing, reducing farmland availability. ⭐Water Table Changes: Mining operations lower the water table, impacting irrigation and causing water scarcity. ⭐Pollution: Mining pollutants degrade soil and water quality, reducing crop productivity and soil fertility. Exploring the Potential of Agriculture as a Pathway to Transition ⭐Land Reclamation: Restore degraded mining land for agriculture through scientific treatment, boosting productivity. ⭐Agroforestry: Combine tree planting with farming to improve soil quality, enhance biodiversity, and generate additional farmer income. ⭐Water Management: Implement rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems to ensure sustainable water supply for agriculture. ⭐Sustainable Practices: Adopt organic farming methods and crop rotation to maintain long-term soil health. By prioritising a shift away from coal, we have the opportunity to create a future for India that is both sustainable and equitable.

🚲 The vicious coal 'cycle' 🚲 In coal mining regions it is a common sight to see retrofitted cycles and motorbikes carrying heavy sacks of coal, each weighing up to 400 kilograms. This is a deep-seated issue as - 🔹 Community Involvement: Almost every household in the area has at least one member involved in the supply and sale of pilfered coal, showcasing the widespread dependency on this grey market. 🔹 Economic and Environmental Cost: While providing a critical source of income, this trade perpetuates cycles of exploitation and environmental degradation, undermining legal and regulatory frameworks. 🔹 Forced innovation: To manage the enormous weight of the coal, locals are forced to spend up to INR 8000 to upgrade their two-wheelers with bigger shock absorbers and additional gears. This is not only an added expense but there is still chances of the vehicle breaking down and people injuring themselves. 🔹 Economic and Environmental Cost: While providing a critical source of income, this trade perpetuates cycles of exploitation and environmental degradation, undermining legal and regulatory frameworks. 🔹 Destination and Use: The transported coal finds its way to small commercial entities and numerous illegal brick kilns, which consume this low-quality coal, flouting environmental and labor regulations. 🔹 The Harsh Journey: Transporters cover significant distances, exposing themselves to considerable risk, especially during monsoon seasons. #Act4Earth #CoalMining #Sustainability #India #MineClosure #EthicalMining #JustTransition #CoalSectorTransition #SustainableFuture #CleanEnergy #energy #energytransition #g20 #g20india #coalpower #livelihoods #coalmining #criticalminerals #netzero #welfare #justice #renewableenergy #decarbonization #leavenoonebehind #india #JustTransitionSeminar #SustainablePath #LowCarbonFuture #CoalSector #CollaborativeAction #EnvironmentalResilience

⭐ CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS! - The Just Transition Project, TERI ⭐ TERI is seeking insightful articles for the sixth edition of “Vichaar-Vimarsh: Just Transition Newsletter”. The details are as follows - Theme: Labour informality in the coal producing geographies in India: issues and perspectives Seeking insightful articles between 1400-2000 words Abstract Deadline: 24th May 2024 (100 – 300 words) We will reach out to you once your abstract gets selected Previous editions of “Vichaar-Vimarsh: Just Transition Newsletter” can be read at https://lnkd.in/gzQQKRd6