At United Nations negotiations on “response measures” in Ghana on September 9–10, developing countries expressed frustration at the lack of in-person attendance from wealthy nations. Other key talking points included the impact of policies like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on achieving a just transition. Negotiators from developing countries criticised the meeting as a “monologue,” and highlighted the need for rich nations to engage meaningfully with all commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The coal phase-out in Europe is accelerating, with Denmark, the UK, and Slovakia making significant progress. Denmark now has only one remaining coal plant, and the UK will close its last facility by September 30. Slovakia completed its coal exit in March. As market forces and environmental regulations push out coal, many countries are transitioning to cleaner energy solutions like renewables and hydrogen, reflecting Europe’s rapid shift away from coal dependency.

A new study suggests that the Asia-Pacific region, responsible for 76% of global thermal coal power, can phase out coal plants early while still benefiting investors. Researchers modelled future scenarios for six Chinese-sponsored plants in Vietnam and Pakistan and found that younger plants could be retired 3 to 13 years early with cheaper refinancing options. Despite the complexity of replacing coal with renewables and managing impacts on employment, early coal retirement is gaining momentum from both financial and environmental incentives.

Australia’s new Net Zero Economy Authority will provide coal and gas workers with support, including retraining, redeployment, and financial assistance, as plants close. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised that no communities or workers should be left behind in the shift to renewable energy. The authority will focus on key regions and include worker representation, with two union members, two industry representatives, and First Nations members on its board to ensure inclusive decision-making.

In a model for future coal-to-clean transitions in Southeast Asia, ACEN, GenZero, and Keppel— companies working on renewables, decarbonisation, and infrastructure development, respectively—have signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate the retirement of the South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation coal-fired plant in the Philippines by developing transition credits. The project will also explore renewable energy integration, worker support through training and redeployment, and environmental considerations.

The UK and Scottish governments have announced a support package worth GBP 100 million following the decision to close the Grangemouth oil refinery by 2025 due to financial losses and global competition. This funding, which includes GBP 20 million in new investment and GBP 80 million from the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, aims to support local workers with job placements and training, while advancing low-carbon energy projects. Future opportunities include low-carbon hydrogen, clean e-fuels, and sustainable aviation fuels to promote a long-term clean energy transition for the region.

Albania has become the first European country to join the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, a United Nations initiative to support countries as they transition to greener, more inclusive economies while addressing social inequalities and creating sustainable jobs. The country’s roadmap to a just transition focuses on decent jobs, extending social protection, and supporting vulnerable groups, women and young people in particular, in sectors like tourism and the green economy, and it was endorsed by the Albanian government in June 2024.

At the Summit of Workers’ Unions at Peace with Nature, 180 union leaders from across the Americas gathered in Cali, Colombia, to call for environmental justice ahead of the 2024 United Nations Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16). The event marked the first time unions have played a significant role in biodiversity discussions. Participants emphasised the need to connect labour rights with environmental protection, highlighting the importance of a just transition to sustainable jobs and overcoming the challenges faced by informal workers.

Colombia has announced the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Roundtable within its National System of International Cooperation. This initiative aims to leverage international cooperation to expand renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The roundtable, part of Colombia’s 2022–2026 National Development Plan, involves national and international energy actors and civil society to promote an inclusive and just energy model that aligns with global commitments like the Paris Agreement.

Colombia’s new Temporary Council of the National Knowledge Network for the Just Energy Transition aims to facilitate decision-making on the network’s governance, structure, and work plans. Focusing on institutionalisation, internal regulations, and 2025 work plan themes, the council will oversee the formalisation of the network, which aims to consolidate and share knowledge on Colombia’s energy transition. Regional meetings in five cities will be held in November 2024 to gather input and strengthen the network’s territorial focus.

Freirina, Chile, which has extensive experience with wind farms and community investment funds, has become the first commune to implement a governance model for a territorial energy roundtable, setting a national benchmark for inclusive and sustainable energy transitions. This collaborative initiative, part of Chile’s 2022–2026 Energy Agenda, involves public and private sectors, as well as communities, to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy projects are shared.

Indonesia’s transition to net-zero emissions by 2060 presents significant gender challenges, especially in coal-dependent regions, where women are disproportionately affected by mine closures, job losses, and reduced access to services. While existing government policies like the Gender Mainstreaming Strategy support gender equality, high-level female representation remains low, with women constituting only 5% of energy sector decision-makers in 2022. To address these issues, it is necessary to improve mechanisms that ensure women have greater involvement in energy policy-making and employment opportunities.

In an interview with The Conversation, energy transition researcher Nthabiseng Mohlakoana has highlighted the challenges South Africa is facing in its shift from coal to renewable energy. Despite the potential for 250,000 new renewable energy jobs by 2047, workers are concerned about the absence of consultation and reskilling, Mohlakoana says. She emphasises the need to include women in the transition and for education gaps to be addressed. She also calls for green jobs to offer decent work, fair wages, and safe conditions.

The global shift towards cleaner energy demands a just labour transition in the energy sector. In a new report, the Environmental Defense Fund assesses countries’ progress in ensuring a fair energy transition. It highlights the need for strong government leadership, financial support, local consultations, and economic diversification to create green job opportunities. Developing countries face greater challenges, especially in sectors reliant on fossil fuels. Most nations are still in the early stages of transition, requiring policies that are more focused to achieve a just labour transition.