The Gendered Impact of Coal Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Overview & Synopsis

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s heavy reliance on coal poses significant challenges to meeting international climate commitments and advancing toward a low‑carbon economy. While policy frameworks such as updated Nationally Determined Contributions and the forthcoming National Energy and Climate Plan set ambitious emission reduction targets, structural inefficiencies, rising production costs, and reliance on state subsidies are accelerating the decline of the coal sector. At the same time, awareness and preparedness for this transition remain low among stakeholders, with concerns centered on employment, energy prices, and economic stability. The transition is expected to have wide-ranging socioeconomic impacts, including direct and indirect job losses, reduced household incomes, and broader local economic effects, with differences across gender. This note analyzes these impacts and highlights the need for targeted policies to support displaced workers, promote reskilling, and facilitate a just and inclusive transition toward renewable energy sources.