As the world gradually moves away from coal and other fossil fuels, what happens to the workers and communities that depend on them? A "just transition" is needed, to ensure the most vulnerable don't lose out – but what does that look like exactly?

India, with nearly 300 abandoned or closed coal mines, is trying to figure it out, as it draws up its first plan for a socially fair shift away from coal production, in two districts in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, our correspondent Roli Srivastava reports.

People "should have honourable living conditions even after mine closures", says Bhabani Prasad Pati, joint secretary in the coal ministry - whether that's keeping schools running as jobs disappear or helping workers shift to farming or tourism.

In Brazil, a different kind of transition may be coming, as the country heads for presidential elections later this year.

Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is currently 10 points ahead of current right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro in national polls, suggesting voters could veer away from leadership that has led to a huge surge in Amazon forest losses and a weakening of environmental and indigenous agencies in the country.

Would the election of "Lula" mean a Green New Deal for Brazil? Our correspondent Fabio Teixeira in Rio takes a look at this crucial question, as scientists say Amazon rainforest losses are close to a perilous tipping point.

Europe, meanwhile, is asking questions about its own energy future as the war in Ukraine prompts a swift rethink of reliance on Russian gas.

Will the conflict drive greater investment in renewables, to improve energy security and reduce dependence on foreign fossil fuels? Or will calls for revival of now-shuttered fracking wells and coal plants in countries across Europe be heeded – and go beyond the short term? Correspondent Hugo Greenhalgh lays out the possibilities. 

See you next week!

Laurie

Europe sizes up renewables to reduce reliance on Russian gas
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “might be the biggest stimulus to the rollout of renewables that the continent has ever had”

India's first social plan for closed coal hubs aims for 'honourable' lives
The government plan, backed by the World Bank, will support new employment and basic services in parts of India where coal mining is on the decline

Could ex-president Lula's return mean a Green New Deal for Brazil?
Brazil’s former leader looks likely to try to unseat President Jair Bolsonaro in October elections – with potential big implications for environmental policy

Drying Amazon rainforest closer to 'tipping point', scientists warn
The world’s largest forest is growing less able to recover from droughts, researcher say, with huge implications for efforts to curb climate change

INTERVIEW: Save nature to protect people on fast-heating planet, IPCC scientist urges
Ecosystems provide us with food, water and other key natural resources – but those functions are under threat from climate change and over-consumption

OPINION: The Ukraine war demands Europe ditch fossil fuels
It’s time for Europe to follow Germany and accelerate its push to renewable energy - and less reliance on Russian gas

OPINION: Here’s how Italy could wean itself off Russian gas
A rush to end use of Russian gas, after the country’s invasion of Ukraine, could be the spark toward renewables Italy needs

OPINION: Climate migration is a reality. Let’s focus on solutions for women
As climate change worsens and forces more people to leave their homes, women are likely to feel the heaviest consequences of displacement

OPINION: How COP27 can deliver climate justice for rural women
Rural women are at particular risk as climate change impacts hit. Here’s how to help

OPINION: A climate-positive future must be built on equity
A just transition is the strongest model for tackling the complexities of global warming, while creating decent work opportunities