Decarbonization in Coal-dependent Communities

This project, conducted by Novi treći put with the support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, explores how the process of decarbonization affects coal-dependent municipalities in Serbia, specifically Obrenovac and Lazarevac. Through a series of focus groups, the study examines citizens’ perceptions of the green transition, local economic dependency on coal, and environmental degradation caused by thermal power plants. The research highlights strong public awareness of pollution and health risks, yet also deep fears about job losses and social insecurity. Findings emphasize that a just transition requires state and local support for new employment, retraining, and clean energy subsidies, ensuring that decarbonization becomes an inclusive and sustainable process rather than an imposed economic shock.