Introduction 

Efforts to achieve a net-zero carbon emission target has positioned India at the forefront at the recently  concluded United Nations Conference on Climate Change at Glasgow in 2021 (COP 26 in 2021). However,  Jharkhand, as a key state of India, will face various challenges in this path considering the transition towards a  greener economic model looks imminent and it calls for taking formidable measures for decarbonising the  existing economic sectors, ensuring growth trajectory and securing sustainable livelihood options for people. 

Aimed towards enabling a forward-looking economy and guided by the national climate goals and international  commitments, Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) actively supported Department of  Forest, Environment & Climate Change (Government of Jharkhand) and Jharkhand State Pollution Control  Board through organising a series of three workshops (during May and June, 2022) on overarching idea of  Sustainable Pathways for Future-ready Jharkhand.  

Idea and Rationality:  

Considering Jharkhand needs to emulate a sustainable-looking path with ensuring inclusive development, it is  vital to put in place a visionary plan that streamlines the social, and economic transition to enable a successful  paradigm shift. In this connection, formalisation of Just transition process through an institutional means is  essential with bringing onboard all key stakeholders located in government, private and civil society realms.  

In this context, CEED is organising a state level conference ‘Making Just Transition a Reality in Jharkhand’  through active engagement of key players and influencers who can deliberate and put forth the broader contours  and models of Just transition suitable for the state. Some of the key considerations that underpin the just  transition related task and priorities are indicated below: 

• Assessing the magnitude and nature of the effects that the net-zero related transitions may bring directly and  indirectly upon formal and informal economy for the state 
• Bringing out a replicable and forward-looking economic model in realisation of energy security and livelihood  security with focus on attaining sustainable development goals 
• Assessing the impact in coal-rich districts and developing a state and district specific action plans through  analysing gaps in policy and programs to support the transition.