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.
[Commentary] The missing caste from commons: A reflection from a Telangana village
India needs to weigh options before partnership with G7 countries to accelerate a just energy transition
Oil refinery sparks protests over livelihood concerns in Ratnagiri
After little success in past, India revisits plan to repower its ageing wind turbines
Land banks in Jharkhand may become a recipe for conflicts
Unaccounted deaths lay bare the dark side of sand mining
In the midst of coal shortage reports, a coal mine extension is approved in pristine Hasdeo forests
As India looks to shift to renewables, Jharkhand’s coal mine workers fear loss of jobs and social security
Are power lines turning Kutch into a bird graveyard from a bird paradise?
India’s coal crisis exposes power sector woes
The canaries in the coal mine
After starting off slow, Jharkhand eyes mega projects to boost clean energy in state
India proposes a battery swapping policy to expedite EVs growth
Sand mining a threat to the mahseer and other aquatic species in the Narmada
RBI recommends technology for India’s cement industry to reduce carbon emissions
The wind farm paradox in southern Tamil Nadu
The ghost of asbestos mining continues to haunt this tribal village in Jharkhand
Expansion of windmills in Kachchh impact unique thorn forest and wildlife
Manipur’s push for dams threatens local ecology and communities
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
- 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
- [Commentary] Neglecting household biomedical waste management can lead to adverse environmental effects
India's Iconic Landscapes
- 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
- Studies reveal impact of land use on species diversity in rock outcrops
Beyond Protected Areas
- Rehabilitating trafficked star tortoises using genetic intelligence
- [Interview] Richie Mehta on addressing the elephant in the room in ‘Poacher’
- Scientists leap beyond Latin to give local flair to species names
- Deaths in human-animal conflict in Wayanad spark protests and debates
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- [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
- Rising air pollution impacts India’s crop yields and food security
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