What is Coal Transitions?

Coal represents 28% of global energy consumption. However, meeting commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change requires a significant reduction in coal consumption across the globe. In many coal-dependent countries, this raises significant political, social and economic issues.

Coal Transitions is an international research project which aims to develop credible and feasible trajectories and policy guidance for deep transitions in the coal sector in six major coal using countries: China, India, Australia, South Africa, Germany and Poland.

Coal Transitions aims to:

• promote deeper understanding among relevant national and international stakeholders of the
  implications of global climate mitigation activities for the future of coal production and consumption;
• support societally acceptable transition away from coal, to marry coal phase out with economic renewal and a just transition in key countries;
• promote knowledge and acceptance new narratives on the future of coal, enabling conditions, and concrete steps for national coal phase out strategies;
• promote exchange, learning and more coordination on transition policies at international level.

More details on the research and dialogue project are available in a 2 page briefing here (PDF).