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.
India’s coal transition likely to be a “messy and complicated exercise”
Administration flexes muscle power as it seeks consent for bauxite mining in Odisha’s tribal area
[Photos] In anticipation of India’s largest coal mining project
Floating solars illuminating Indian hinterlands, likely to see more expansion
[Commentary] COP26 opens doors for India to push for a just transition
Rooftop solar prepares prosumers in Odisha for power cuts during disasters
[Video] Riverbed mining woes for Kashmir’s fishes
More progress on state-level electric vehicle policies needed to boost India’s transition to EVs
India proposes guidelines for decommissioning coal-based power plants
With land acquisition challenges, Telangana eyes floating solar parks
[Analysis] Will Glasgow be just another talk shop while climate crisis worsens?
India can lead the fight for climate justice as global carbon budget shrinks
Green grid initiative must overcome technical and political challenges to become a reality
India to seek billion-dollar assistance from the World Bank for just transition programme
India breathes life into Glasgow climate summit by net-zero commitment
Telangana focuses on clean energy to enhance its power supply
[Interview] Renewable energy goals can’t be met by excluding people or making them hostile, say founders of LIFE
[Commentary] Participatory governance needs to be more effective for just transitions in India
Telangana’s public transport system steadily moving to clean power
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
- Wildlife rescue operations in Kashmir face an uphill battle with rising human-wildife conflict
- Pathogens find new pathways as agriculture, deforestation intensify
- Measuring the scavenging value of vultures
- New rules spell giant troubles for jumbos
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