In the climate policy world, talk about the need for a "just transition" usually conjures up images of coal mines and power plants - and how to find their workers new jobs when economies ditch the dirtiest fossil fuel, as they've promised to do.

But there's much more to it than that, our India correspondents found when they ventured out to the country's two largest solar energy parks, to see how they're affecting communities living in their shadow.

It's a complex picture. India needs to add massive amounts of solar power to meet its 2030 renewable energy goal, just over half of which will come from the sun, and has so far commissioned 52 solar parks to help get there. But there's a darker side.

Farmers, villagers and others in Rajasthan and Karnataka states told our reporters they're struggling after handing over land for the huge clean energy facilities - either because they now have nowhere to graze animals or plant crops, or because the rent they're getting isn't enough.

Local development funding expected for schools and hospitals is patchy and slow to come, while solar jobs are few, poor-quality and often out of reach for those without a good education.

"Solar is definitely going the coal way," said independent researcher Bhargavi S Rao. "The same mistakes are being repeated with big companies coming from outside, pitching their tents and side-lining communities who have lived and farmed in these regions for decades."

Yet those losing out refuse to suffer in silence. We found some inspiring stories on the ground of teenage girls near the Bhadla solar park, whose dream is to get an education and find work in India's new low-carbon economy.

Solar firms initially helped fund classes at the village school, but it's been closed for two years, throwing a major obstacle in their way.

"I could work in the solar park if I was educated - I could manage files in the office or do their accounts," said Hira Bano, 18, who finished 10th grade just before the school shut. "I have to study or I will be stuck in household work all my life."

Down south, meanwhile, more than 500 farmers have banded together to set up an association to push for their rights after renting out their land, and ensure they get a say in how solar firms manage their local operations - a model that could work in other places.

In December, the group held an emergency meeting after one of the solar companies mortgaged members' land lease documents to obtain a bank loan.

"If we hadn't been vigilant, this would have gone unnoticed," said R N Akkalappa, the group's acting president.

In Brazil it's a different story, with the government agency meant to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities being undermined by the policies of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, activists and its own employees say.

Since Bolsonaro came to power in 2019, indigenous lawyers have taken legal action repeatedly against indigenous affairs agency Funai, accusing it of dismantling the protections it was tasked with upholding, reports our correspondent Fabio Teixeira.

But with Bolsonaro now trailing in opinion polls ahead of an October election, indigenous advocates are hopeful that years of conflict with Funai could come to an end - allowing it to focus its efforts on loggers and land occupiers.

For all of those working to keep forests standing around the world, the outcome of Brazil's ballot will be a major one to watch this year...

See you next week!

Megan

Farmers unite in push for share of India's solar power bonanza
As renewable energy grows across India, locals who leased their land to the Pavagada solar park have banded together to secure fairer benefits

India solar park sparks desire for school, as girls dream of green jobs
Teenagers living near Bhadla solar plant want better access to education, so they can find jobs in India’s new green economy rather than staying at home or herding animals

Rare bird, forest protectors clash with India's clean energy vision
In its rush to boost renewables, India's government faces challenges from environmentalists and locals who say going green should not harm wildlife, forests or people

Indigenous lawyers in Brazil take on Bolsonaro's weakened watchdog
Since far-right Jair Bolsonaro became Brazilian president, critics say the Funai indigenous affairs agency has been dismantling the protections it is meant to uphold

Climate migration fuels conflicts in Bay of Bengal region
Climate change pressures are pushing people from their homes and exacerbating tensions over control of valuable but shrinking natural resources like land, water and minerals, says new report

OPINION: India must tackle the dark side of its solar dream
From electrocution risks to lost land and scarce employment, many local communities are failing to benefit from India's clean power boom

OPINION: For the sake of the climate, the Africa-EU relationship needs fixing
If Europe wants to forge a new partnership with Africa, its leaders need to make climate support a key pillar of the new relationship