Mongabay series: Just Transitions
Are the transitions in the mining sector in India “just” for the environment and the community? World economies are in transition for two reasons. One is the routine growth or deceleration of different national economies, and the other is the changes that public opinion is forcing upon economies as almost all parts of the world feel the impact of climate change. Both the factors are at play in India. The Indian economy has been decelerating in the past half-decade due to various reasons. There is also an increasing public opinion and governmental will to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, move from fossil fuels to renewable energy, make industrial processes carbon neutral and increase green cover to strengthen sequestration. While transitions are happening in the mining sector – fossil-fuel and non-fuel mines – due to economic reasons, the question is whether these are happening in a 'just' manner. The first question is whether the transitions from mining to other operations are reducing the environmental destruction? The second question is whether those losing employment due to the closure of mines are able to find sustained employment in less- or non-environmentally destructive sectors? If not, the transition is neither just nor sustainable for them. The problem is that unjust changes are happening, and in the long run, the transitions lose their long-term sustainability. Greater awareness of the vicious cycle of environmental destruction, which has to a disproportionate impact on poor and marginal communities, is need to support just transition away from extractive industries. Mongabay-India intends to increase awareness about "just transitions" in this series.
Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination
Has solar energy been deployed to the point of no return? Some researchers think so
[Video] Rooftop solar, an emerging solution to Bihar’s land shortage that’s stalling renewable progress
India needs to face challenge of funding thermal power plant closure, says new report
With no primary data on impacts, government approves an oil extraction technique 500 m outside forests
Climate action not on track to meet Paris Agreement goals, says Global Stocktake report
[Interview] Suravee Nayak on why transformative justice for women, Dalits is key for a just transition
Promised rehabilitation eludes residents living near one of India’s earliest coal mines
As e-mobility gains traction, what’s in store for the friendly neighbourhood mechanic?
Researchers release data set detailing locations and scale of mining sites worldwide
Ballari’s former mine workers look for space in emerging renewable sector
Bauxite mining in Jharkhand is impacting soil fertility, people’s health
Incentives to boost demand, increase in e-buses in Tamil Nadu’s latest EV policy
Electricity transition in India’s renewable-rich states needs to accelerate, says study
[Interview] Ajay Kumar Rastogi on leading India’s first just transition task force
Helping wildlife navigate road and railway infrastructure
Energy transition offers a ray of hope to farmers struggling in chilly winter
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter
Environment And Health
- Marine plastic pollution is not just a waste problem; reducing production is needed too
- Stitching sustainability amidst climate change challenges
- Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard
- Malaria-carrying mosquitoes shift homes from forests to rice fields
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Majuli’s shrinking wetlands and their fight for survival
- Saving India’s wild ‘unicorns’
- Indrella ampulla’s genetic tapestry unveils colour morphs isolated across the Palghat Gap
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
Beyond Protected Areas
- New rules spell giant troubles for jumbos
- Climate litigation has entered the room. But could great Indian bustards be inched out?
- The dietary habits of endangered vultures
- Waterbirds adapt to nest and roost in the urban oases of Udaipur
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Pricey guests: Urban invasive species cost the world billions every year
- [Commentary] GROW with agroforestry, a step towards sustainable land management
- Millet tradition loses flavour among Madhya Pradesh’s tribals
- A village nurtures traditional food systems in response to climate change
Just Transitions
- How unplanned coal mine closures in India are affecting dependent communities, especially women
- Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
- Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
- Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination