Summary:

This policy brief examines the challenges and pathways for achieving a just transition in China's coal-dependent regions as the country pursues its dual carbon goals. It focuses on four critical dimensions that require coordinated action: fostering high-quality economic development through industrial diversification, safeguarding livelihoods and employment security for coal workers and vulnerable communities, managing the phased reduction of coal production while maintaining energy supply stability, and strengthening environmental restoration in mining areas. The policy brief draws on domestic and international experiences to outline a dual-stage transition strategy—first upgrading existing coal operations with smarter and cleaner technologies, then leveraging regional resources to cultivate renewable energy and complementary green industries. It also stresses the importance of robust social safety nets, worker retraining programs, and ecological rehabilitation measures such as repurposing abandoned mining lands for clean energy projects and carbon sinks. The policy brief argues that proactive planning, dynamic capacity adjustment mechanisms, and integrated multi-energy supply systems are essential to mitigate the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of the coal industry's decline, ensuring that the transition is both equitable and sustainable.

Suggested citation:

Yang Li. (2023). Achieving Just Transition in China's Coal Resource-based Regions. Report. Beijing: Institute for Global Decarbonization Progress (iGDP).

License:

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)