Digging our way to a Just Transition

Abstract

As the world transitions to a green economy and society weans itself off fossil fuel dependency, the potential exists for significant economic and societal hardships to arise in regions locally reliant on the extraction and use of fossil fuels. Across Europe the oil, coal and peat producing regions will see significant job losses as mines and extractive facilities close, along with the relocation of energy infrastructure to more renewable-rich areas. The European Commission has recognized these potential issues and committed to ensuring that the green transition will be a ‘Just Transition’ towards climate neutrality. Within Ireland, the Geological Survey has been examining the potential for geogenic natural resources to assist in providing a Just Transition for workers across the most strongly affected region. The exploration and extraction of raw materials and realization of geothermal potential are among the natural resources that can offset major unemployment and contribute to a Just Transition in the affected areas.