JUST TRANSITION IN COAL-DEPENDENT ECONOMIES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW (2015–2025)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/nnnj8d70Keywords:
Just Transition, Coal-Dependent Economies, Energy Transition, Worker Welfare, Decarbonization, Systematic Literature ReviewAbstract
This systematic literature review examines Just Transition (JT) in coal-dependent economies, focusing on empirical studies published after the Paris Agreement (2015-2025). Using the PRISMA 2020 framework, 80 Scopus-indexed articles were analysed to provide a structured and focused understanding of transition dynamics. Integrating paradoxical, theoretical, and framework perspectives, the study maps the discourse into five core driving themes: governance, regional economics, social justice, low-carbon shifts, and stakeholder engagement, which directly shape outcomes across regional resilience, just livelihoods, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability. Overall, this review provides critical insights for policymakers, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance, workforce reskilling, and regional economic diversification. This framework balances decarbonization with social equity, thereby providing a robust foundation for future research and policy interventions in coal-dependent economies.
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