IBS and IASS at the conference “From the Grassroots to Policy and Back: Putting Just Transition to Practice”

The Institute for Structural Research (IBS) and the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) participated in the Conference “From the Grassroots to Policy and Back: Putting Just Transition to Practice”, which was organised by the Institute of Sociology at the University of Silesia and took place in Katowice on the 28th of October 2022. The Conference gathered people from all over the world associated with the Just Transition Research Collaborative and research consortiums investigating coal regions, i.e., TIPPING⁺ and CINTRAN.

The presentations focused on advancing “justice” frameworks, structural changes in regional labour markets and post-extraction future economic development. Participants also consulted their initial research ideas and first fieldwork results.

Franziska Mey showcased results from the German Case Study that focuses on a comparative analysis of policy responses to the closing of West and East German coal mines, and the effects of the response strategies, on the economy, society, demographics and politics.

During the Conference, TIPPING⁺ researchers presented their latest research case study results.

In particular, Franziska Mey showcased results from the German Case Study that focuses on a comparative analysis of policy responses to the closing of West and East German coal mines, and the effects of the response strategies, on the economy, society, demographics and politics.

Then, Joanna Mazurkiewicz compared the coal phase-out in Upper Silesia and the Ruhr Valley based on TIPPING⁺ Polish and a previously presented German case study. According to the results, Upper Silesia achieved a peak in coal extraction and employment 30 years later than Ruhr Valley (1957). Still, the coal exit pathway in Poland reproduces the German one.

Jakub Sokołowski pointed out the simulation results of carbon tax implementation in five (5) Central and Eastern Europe countries, emphasizing that climate policies can be progressive and bring social benefits if we consider just revenue recycling schemes for the less affluent income groups.

Jan Frankowski highlighted the scale, structure and location of mining-dependent jobs in Upper Silesia. These entities will be first affected by the coal phase-out and because of that, require special policy attention. According to these findings, twenty-one thousand (21.000) are particularly dependent on contracts with mines – especially in industry and construction.

For more information about the Institute for Structural Research (IBS) and their activities visit the website!

For more information about the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) and their activities visit the website!