Publication: The Coal Transition: Mitigating Social and Labor Impacts
Date
2021-05
ISSN
Published
2021-05
Author(s)
Abstract
Realizing the objectives of the Paris
Agreement on climate change will necessitate a timely
transition of the global energy system out of coal, but
evidence from Europe, China, and the United States shows
that the coal transition can lead to massive job losses.
This paper develops a comprehensive policy approach to
assist affected workers and communities. Based on a
conceptual framework that distinguishes between pre-layoff
planning, pre-layoff assistance and post-layoff assistance,
it discusses the main instruments for mitigating social and
labor impacts, in particular income support and active labor
market policies. In addition, it considers the institutional
context, the dynamics of change, and implementation issues.
The paper argues that while challenges resulting from the
coal transition should not be minimized, the sound
management of job displacements can contribute to mitigating
the social consequences, strengthen morale and productivity,
and improve the efficiency of structural change.
Citation
“Cunningham, Wendy; Schmillen, Achim. 2021. The Coal Transition: Mitigating Social and Labor Impacts. Social Protection and Jobs Discussion Paper;No. 2105. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/35617 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”