Full article published in Environmental Finance.
Phasing out fossil fuel electricity generation is essential to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. Yet retiring coal plants and diesel generators early presents significant financial, political and social challenges, particularly in emerging economies where these assets remain embedded in energy systems and local livelihoods.
In an opinion piece for Environmental Finance, Gold Standard’s Julie Aguko explores how carbon finance can help unlock credible pathways for fossil fuel phase-out. The article outlines the safeguards needed to maintain integrity in carbon markets and introduces Gold Standard’s Joined Up Sustainable Transition (JUST) framework, which links plant closure, clean energy replacement and support for affected workers and communities.