Introducing SEI鈥檚 Communities on the Frontline series
The burning of fossil fuels for energy will end, and end soon. On the one hand, climate science tells us that fossil-fuelled economies are literally threatening lives and livelihoods on our fragile planet. On the other hand, technologies and markets are illustrating that a transition to renewables is now cheap and inevitable. The central question for Australia is not听飞丑别迟丑别谤听we will have a transition, but rather exactly听how听this transition will play out 鈥� including who benefits and who is left out. This series showcases SEI鈥檚 long-term focus on justice 鈥� environmental justice, climate justice, multispecies justice, and here, a just transition.
Sydney Environment Institute鈥檚听Communities on the Frontline Series听explores the impacts of a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy on a range of local communities on the frontline. This event series links multiple SEI research projects, including听听补苍诲听, and highlights the work of the Institute in addressing those often left behind by systemic changes. The series features multiple events that delve into the social and ethical implications of a just transition in the Australian energy sector.
In the first event,听, we hear from researchers and community members on why the concept of a 鈥榡ust transition鈥� away from coal remains challenging in Australia. The panel brings together community advocates and academics to talk about Australia鈥檚 use and export of coal in light of our commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and will reveal key findings on how we can successfully transition Australia鈥檚 energy to ensure no one is left behind. In the face of climate change and with the federal election around the corner, the need for Australia鈥檚 energy transition is paramount.听听
The second event features a screening of a new documentary,听. Following the screening, filmmaker Kim Nguyen sits down with coal industry representatives and climate activists to unpack how communities can work together and how we can support coal mining communities in the just transition away from fossil fuels.听
The third event,听The Battle for a Future: Farming and Extraction, will explore the competing interests of Australia鈥檚 agriculture sector and our dependence on fossil fuel extraction. The panel will discuss how the potential for achieving co-benefits and co-designing for farmers, such as maintaining optimal soil health, is threatened by ongoing fossil fuel projects. It will also delve into the key impacts on farming in the Darling Downs in Queensland as a result of Shell and Arrow Energy鈥檚 Surat Gas Project. Stay tuned for more information and registration details.
To stay up to date on听Communities on the Frontline听events, sign up to the听.听
Events and key dates
Why Can鈥檛 We Talk About a Just Transition From Coal in Australia?
Wednesday 6 April 2022 | 5.00 鈥� 6.00pm听
Film Screening: Conversations with Coal Miners about Climate Change
Tuesday 12 April 2022 | 5.30 鈥� 7.00pm
The Battle for a Future: Farming and Extraction
Wednesday 25 May 2022 | 5.00 鈥� 6.00pm