On Forbes web site Prof. Aseem Prakash and colleague Prof. Nives Dolšak write that the switch from fossil fuels for our energy needs should be a careful one, else societal disruptions will cause a backlash.
"....As the world moves away from fossil fuels – which it should – the ensuing economic dislocation could ignite a backlash. As we discuss below, this is why 'just transition' policies should be a top political priority in climate policy design.
Without 'just transition', decarbonization policies will likely inflict severe costs on fossil-fuel industries. Companies will go bankrupt, workers will lose jobs, and pensioners will no longer receive company-guaranteed benefits. With reduced purchasing power, local businesses will close and downtowns will be boarded up. Serious social and public health challenges will emerge."