Just transition pathways of energy decarbonization under the global environmental changes

Abstract

The decarbonization and the transition pathways from fossil fuels to green energy technologies in the era of global climatic change, poses great challenges. An effective management tool of all parameters related to a just transition plan could minimize the effects on local communities and maximize the long-term benefits creating conditions for the enhancement of regional sustainable development. For this reason, this paper develops a conceptual model for the evaluation of crucial aspects related to decarbonization projects, through a questionnaire to survey a sample of locals from a coal dependent region. A methodology based on the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to investigate a set of ten hypotheses which describe possible relationships between the aspects of the conceptual model. Although, respondents agree with the need for a change in the current fossil fuel resource management system, they do not regard that the decarbonization will have a positive effect on the sustainability of the coal-dependent region. Also, respondents who support such changes they do not believe that the climate change has serious impacts on humanity and natural ecosystems. In general, the outcomes of the analysis highlight that a just coal transition is not an easy process and it might cause disruptions to the societies. A just transition plan should be a result of effective public dialogue with the active participation of all stakeholder groups, which will be directly or indirectly affected by the major changes of decarbonization.

Keywords: Carbon neutrality; Coal dependent regions; Decarbonization; Just transition; Regional sustainability.