Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 53 minutes ago
Energy systems are shifting rapidly all over the world, including in India. Since the impacts of energy transition transcend economic and political domains to affect every aspect of society, the concept of ‘just transition’ has been mooted by trade unions, advocacy groups, development agencies, businesses and governments; indeed, in 2015 the concept was referenced in the Paris Agreement. While India, a signatory to the Paris Accord, is committed to achieving a low-carbon economy, the importance of coal in the country has nevertheless increased over the last few decades. This reality begs the questions: How can a just transition be achieved in India? What kind of justice do we want to achieve and for whom?
About the speaker
Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt is a Professor at the Australian National University, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, and has over thirty years of experience studying the challenges of livelihoods in India. She has thoroughly researched the social and ecological aspects of resources, in particular, both large and industrial and informal artisanal and small-scale mines and quarries, water resource management, and feminization of agriculture in the country. Kuntala’s publications in these areas have influenced younger generations of researchers, and her work has been useful to both international and grassroots-level development organizations. Currently, Kuntala is researching how global coal sector transition can be gender-just, rather than adding to the economic, social and political burdens on women in coal-reliant communities, especially in the Global South.
Energy systems are shifting rapidly all over the world, including in India. Since the impacts of energy transition transcend economic and political domains to affect every aspect of society, the concept of ‘just transition’ has been mooted by trade unions, advocacy groups, development agencies, businesses and governments; indeed, in 2015 the concept was referenced in the Paris Agreement. While India, a signatory to the Paris Accord, is committed to achieving a low-carbon economy, the importance of coal in the country has nevertheless increased over the last few decades. This reality begs the questions: How can a just transition be achieved in India? What kind of justice do we want to achieve and for whom?
About the speaker
Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt is a Professor at the Australian National University, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, and has over thirty years of experience studying the challenges of livelihoods in India. She has thoroughly researched the social and ecological aspects of resources, in particular, both large and industrial and informal artisanal and small-scale mines and quarries, water resource management, and feminization of agriculture in the country. Kuntala’s publications in these areas have influenced younger generations of researchers, and her work has been useful to both international and grassroots-level development organizations. Currently, Kuntala is researching how global coal sector transition can be gender-just, rather than adding to the economic, social and political burdens on women in coal-reliant communities, especially in the Global South.
