Community Voice Essential for Just Shifts

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Thailand’s De-Coaling Efforts Face Hurdles Amid Energy Transition

Bangkok,Thailand – July 5,2025 – Thailand’s ambitious plans to transition away from coal and embrace renewable energy sources are facing significant challenges. The nation has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065, aligning with the Paris agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Though, the path to achieving these targets is fraught with obstacles.

Mae Moh: A Microcosm of Thailand’s Energy Transition

The Mae Moh region, home to Thailand’s only coal mine and a 2455-megawatt coal-fired power plant operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), exemplifies the complexities of this transition. This power plant currently supplies a substantial portion of the nation’s electricity, serving 30% of the northern regions, 20% of the central, and 20% of the northeast. EGAT intends to phase out the mine and power plants by 2051.

EGAT has proposed the Mae Moh green Model Roadmap and the Mae Moh Smart City Plan as a blueprint for transitioning the region to solar power, battery storage, and offering vocational training to the community. While these plans address environmental concerns, critics argue they may overlook the potential socio-economic impacts on workers and local residents.

The Importance of a Just Energy Transition

the shift away from coal involves more than simply replacing energy sources.It requires careful consideration of the livelihoods of workers and the economic stability of local communities. The International Labor Organization (ILO) emphasizes fairness and inclusivity throughout the transition. The focus must be on a participatory approach that considers social choices, not just technical transitions.

Pro Tip: A “just transition” should involve retraining programs for workers displaced by the closure of coal mines and power plants, and also investments in new industries that can provide choice employment opportunities for local communities.

Thailand’s Renewable Energy Goals and Obstacles

Thailand’s power system remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. As of 2022,natural gas accounted for 65.4% (30.9 gigawatts) of electricity capacity, while coal comprised 9.8% (4.6 GW). Renewable energy sources, including hydropower, contributed only 21.8% (10.3 GW). While EGAT’s TRIPLE S Strategy aims to achieve carbon neutrality, some experts believe the targets are not aggressive enough.

Several barriers hinder the expansion of renewable energy in Thailand. These include the centralized structure of the power system, rigid regulatory frameworks, grid limitations, and significant upfront investment costs. The transmission system’s design makes it difficult to integrate distributed renewable energy sources, and small-scale power generators face high barriers to entry.

▲ Thai mammoth coal mine. ⒸEGAT

The Mae Moh Case: A Test of Just Transition Principles

The Mae Moh area serves as a critical test case for the country’s de-coaling roadmap and the feasibility of implementing a just transition. Approximately 9,000 workers are employed in coal-related industries in the region, including EGAT, and the coal industry contributes 18.1% of the Gross regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in the Lampang area.

Despite EGAT’s plan to close the coal mine and power plants by 2051, the agency has paradoxically approved the construction of two new coal-fired power plants (660 MW) by 202

How can community voice be effectively integrated into policy-making to ensure just shifts?

Community Voice: The Cornerstone of Just Shifts in Society

In the complex landscape of societal transformation, achieving just shifts-equitable, sustainable, and inclusive transitions-demands a commitment to amplifying the community voice.This article explores the critical role of community engagement in shaping positive change. Understanding the importance of citizen participation means recognizing the power of collective action that fosters progress. By including diverse perspectives, we can ensure solutions genuinely benefit all members of society.

What are Just Shifts?

Just shifts refer to transformations that consider the well-being and livelihoods of all affected by change. This goes beyond economic development and includes social, environmental, and political aspects. It’s about creating societies that are fair, sustainable, and resilient, ensuring everyone has the chance to thrive. Examples of this include a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy that concurrently addresses climate change and protects or creates new jobs. Another instance is the shift toward inclusive education where all children have the chance to succeed.

Key Elements of Just Shifts:

• Equity: Ensuring changes do not disproportionately harm vulnerable populations.
• sustainability: Considering environmental impacts and long-term viability.
• Participation: Involving all stakeholders in decision-making processes.
• Resilience: Building capacity to adapt to future challenges.

The Essential Role of Community Voice

The community voice acts as the guiding principle of effective just transitions. It is indeed critical in ensuring development strategies are shaped in a way that serves the interests of people. for a community,the voice is more then simply taking a chance to speak their thoughts. it can shape the policies and practices of local and national agencies and businesses. This guarantees that all stakeholders are truly heard, understood, and considered. when societies prioritize citizen participation, they become more adaptable and resilient.

Benefits of Prioritizing Community Voice:

• Increased legitimacy: Decisions are perceived as more fair and representative.
• Improved outcomes: Understand diverse needs, leading to better-targeted solutions.
• Enhanced trust: A collaborative approach builds stronger relationships between communities and institutions.
• Greater resilience: Communities can adapt to challenges better when they are involved in the process for change to occur.

Strategies for Amplifying Community Voices

To effectively integrate the community voice into decision-making, we must utilize strategies that promote diverse perspectives and ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Inclusive approaches that center on public engagement are essential for success. These strategies build strong partnerships for fostering social change. Here are some of the best practices:

• Town Hall Meetings: Provide a platform for open dialog.
• Online Surveys: Gather data from a wide range of people.
• Focus Groups: Gather detailed and direct feedback.
• Participatory Budgeting: Allows citizens to directly allocate funds.
• Community Forums: Enable direct exchange of ideas and concerns.

It is vital to utilize multiple methods to ensure inclusivity and reach a broad audience. Each strategy has strengths and weaknesses,and combining them provides the moast complete picture of a community’s needs and priorities.

Real-World Examples: Just Shifts in Action

Several communities have successfully implemented programs rooted in the community voice as the catalyst for meaningful change.These cases show how community participation can drive inclusive just shifts.

Case Study 1: Renewable energy Transition

In a rural community, a partnership between local government and advocacy groups held a series of community meetings and surveys to plan the transition toward solar energy. Through citizen participation, the project guaranteed that green jobs were local, minimizing the displacement of workers and maximizing the benefits to the community.

Case Study 2: Inclusive Education Reform

A school district included families, teachers, and students in reform planning. The voices from the groups helped to identify necessary changes that would reduce gaps in education. This collaborative effort led to enhancements in school programs, additional staff, and more resources, thereby improving educational equality.

Community action	Resulting Change	Key Benefit
Community Forums on Climate Change	Local renewable project plans.	Local job opportunities and cleaner energy.
Stakeholder Meetings during School refurbishment	Modernized facilities for all students.	Improved educational outcomes and resources.

Practical Tips for Fostering a strong Community Voice

Successfully promoting the community voice in local development requires the development of community participation skills. These strategies help create a more inclusive decision-making habitat and make local participation easier. Here are several actionable steps.

1. Build Relationships: Establish connections with local leaders, community organizations, and residents to generate trust.
2. Use Varied Communication Tactics: Employ various channels (online platforms, in-person gatherings, etc.) to encompass diverse audience preferences.
3. Be Transparent: Provide open information, and share results with the public.
4. Value Diversity: Embrace differing viewpoints and experiences to better understand the community.
5. Provide Feedback: Make sure the input received is listened to and followed through.

Following these strategies builds trust and increases the effectiveness of the efforts to drive community-driven change.