The photo exhibition, “Coal Dependence: Lives in an Extractive Economy,” held from July 25th to 26th, 2024, at the TERI, India Habitat Centre, brought attention to the lives of communities deeply intertwined with the coal economy. Curated as part of the “Just Transition: Understanding and the Implications of Moving Away from Coal” project, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, the exhibition showcased a series of compelling visuals that highlighted the everyday struggles of individuals engaged in coal-related activities. From extraction to transportation, these photographs poignantly captured the vulnerabilities faced by those who rely on coal for their livelihood, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative income opportunities in the shift towards cleaner energy.

Inaugurated by Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, the event also featured the release of “Voices from the Ground: A Travelogue,” documenting personal stories from India’s coal belt, and a video documentary titled “As She Changes: Seeding People-Centric Transitions in India’s Coal Belt.” The documentary highlighted efforts to empower women in Giridih, Jharkhand, by fostering entrepreneurship and building self-sustaining businesses. Together, these initiatives underscored the importance of adopting a people-centric approach in the energy transition, ensuring that those most affected by the shift from carbon-intensive energy sources are supported and included in the transition to a sustainable future.