Power and Just Transitions: Struggles for a Post Coal Future in an Appalachian Valley
From Between the Lines by Institute of Development Studies
February 11, 2026 · 42 min · Season 8 · Episode 2
About this episode
The episode discusses the political nature of energy transitions and the experiences of the Clearfork Valley in Appalachia as a case study for a just transition to a sustainable economy.
A just transition is the fair and inclusive process of moving to a low-carbon, sustainable economy while ensuring workers, communities, and industries in carbon-intensive sectors aren't left behind. This Between the Lines podcast features a conversation between IDS Fellow Rosie McGee and authors John Gaventa and Gabe Schwartzman about their new book, Power and Just Transitions: Struggles for a Post‑Coal Future in an Appalachian Valley . The book examines how power is transformed during energy transitions, using the Clearfork Valley in Appalachia as an in‑depth case study. The discussion demonstrates that energy transitions are fundamentally political , not merely technical shifts from coal to renewables. They raise deep questions about history, ownership, justice, and community agency. By centring the lived experiences of the Clearfork Valley, the podcast illuminates how power is contested, reshaped, and sometimes reclaimed during moments of profound change—offering lessons for communities, policymakers, and activists around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Guests: John Gaventa, Gabe Schwartzman
Topics covered
- just transition
- low-carbon economy
- energy transitions
- Appalachia
- community agency
Keywords
- power
- justice
- community
- coal
- renewables
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Power and Just Transitions: Struggles for a Post‑Coal Future in an Appalachian Valley
Books & works: Power and Just Transitions: Struggles for a Post Coal Future in an Appalachian Valley., Between the Lines
Places: the Clearfork Valley, Appalachia
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