Abstract

Proposals for a “just transition” toward environmentally sustainable economies and societies have been long explored. On the one hand, demand/emissions side policies attempt to decrease coal use. On the other hand, supply/extraction side policies support restricting the production of mining. Both approaches are based on the same criteria that decide whether the effectiveness and/or the ethical justification of policies are “just” or not. A case study of the Omine Coalfield, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, highlights the dangers and consequences of living in a former mining community after its closure. Although the transition from a coal mining industry to an alternative economy has been successfully implemented from the perspective of emissions and extraction policies at the first glance, the environmental destruction inflicted on the land and water prevails in the community. By examining the aftermath of the closure of coal mines in the Omine region, it turns out that the transition policies do not always go hand in hand with the former mining communities. Therefore, sustainable coal transitions need to account for the long-term effects on people on the ground. The just transition argument will not contribute to a fundamental solution unless our energy consumption habits are altered and the problems are tackled through dialogue and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.