Link to the event!

Europe’s coal regions have a story to tell. Once the backbone of industry, their traditional livelihood is under threat as countries end fossil fuels. Europe’s coal regions know the damage it does if people and their livelihoods are forgotten in coal exit plans.

Coal is on its way out, but a just transition isn’t guaranteed: WWF, together with Bankwatch, are bringing this story to COP26.

During this multimedia event, participants will view witness statements gathered from coal regions around Europe and hear from those leading the charge for a socially fair transition.

We will welcome mayors from EU coal regions, including the deputy mayor of Pernik in Bulgaria, as well as the deputy mayor of Bytom in Poland, to tell of their regions’ quest for a just transition to a more sustainable future.

After this, we will hear how that quest is replicated beyond the EU’s borders and how the challenges to secure a just transition are the same and how they are different.

This will lead to a discussion on what works and what’s needed to ensure that ending coal leads to a fairer, healthier and more resilient future for all.

Speakers:
Stefan Krastev – deputy mayor of Pernik in Bulgaria
Michał Bieda – deputy mayor of Bytom in Poland