The aim of this research is to develop and provide basic knowledge on the challenges of the « coal exit » for the areas of North Czech Republic, East Germany and large parts of South-West and Central Poland.
Our fossil-based economies have followed very different development paths. While some economies are more nuclear-based, others rely heavily on coal, very often due to its availability as a local resource for the infant industries of the emerging nation-states. This is the case with Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany. All three countries now face the same challenges: how to exit from coal production while securing good and decent jobs and a prosperous economy in the former coal producing regions.
With this study (to be followed by three others), we are taking a first step towards mapping the economic challenges, the relevant actors and the political issues of this process. The whole project behind it aims to stimulate a transnational debate between critical and left actors in our countries. The intention is to strengthen the pro-human forces in the socio-ecological transformation of these regions towards a post-fossil society.
Please find the ePaper on the right/below (mobile version) in ‘Documents’ (English, PDF).
Table of Contents
Preface – A Just Transition for Coal Regions in Central Europe, by Roland Kulke
Introduction, by Roland Kulke
Studies on Challenges in Post-Coal Regions: East Germany – Lusatia & Upper Lusatia, by Matthias Fröck
Prospects for Coal Exit in Poland. National and Regional Perspective, by Paweł Jaworski & Czesław Kulesza
Coal Regions, Coal Exit in the Czech Republic, by Dagmar Švendová