Іnternational experience of just transformation of coal regions and its significance for Ukraine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33216/1998-7927-2025-297-11-14-24Keywords:
just transformation, decarbonisation, sustainable economy, climate-neutral economy, disparities, social impacts, energy transitionAbstract
The article analyzes international experience in the just transition of coal regions in the context of the global energy transition and identifies possibilities for its adaptation to Ukraine’s conditions during the war and the post-war recovery period. It examines the evolution of the just transition concept from trade union initiatives to comprehensive approaches that integrate the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of the transition toward climate-neutral development models. Particular attention is paid to the issue of inequality, which may be exacerbated as a result of environmental reforms. Based on a comparative analysis of structural transformations in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the article concludes that there is no universal model for the transformation of coal-dependent territories and emphasizes the decisive role of national specificity, governance levels, financial mechanisms, and local community engagement. Special attention is given to the specifics of the Ukrainian scenario, shaped by the combination of the energy transition with the consequences of military actions, infrastructure destruction, and high socio-economic uncertainty. The expediency of considering just transition in Ukraine as an integral component of post-war recovery and sustainable territorial development is substantiated. It is demonstrated that transformation processes in Ukraine’s coal-mining regions will differ significantly depending on political and economic conditions, particularly between Donbas and the Lviv–Volyn coal basin. The study substantiates the appropriateness of a differentiated approach to the transformation of individual coal basins, taking into account their spatial, economic, and social characteristics, as well as the role of local communities in shaping development strategies. It is concluded that a just transition of Ukraine’s coal regions should be based on a combination of social support, economic diversification, and strategic planning aimed at enhancing territorial resilience in the long term, as well as on aligning national priorities with the capacities of regional and local levels of governance.
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