Just Transitions - a Global Exploration: China’s Orderly Transition Approach

Dr Clare Richardson‑Barlow speaks to Dr Jiachen Shi about China’s approach to just transition. Drawing on Jiachen’s research, they discuss China’s state‑led, “orderly transition” model, where renewable capacity is built before phasing down coal, and explore how national planning frameworks shape climate and energy policy. The episode also examines the integrative role of workers and trade unions within this transition system, as well as the achievements and challenges of ensuring a fair transition across regions and sectors.

This project is funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation – Just Transition: Aktivitäten im internationalen Vergleich 2021-582-2.

Visit the project webpage.

This podcast episode was recorded remotely in March 2026. If you would like to get in touch regarding this podcast, please contact research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk. A transcript of this episode is available.

About the speakers:

Dr Clare Richardson-Barlow is a Lecturer in the Global Politics of China in the School of Politics and International Studies. She is also co-chair of the University of Leeds’ Just Transition Taskforce and Co-Director of International in the School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds. Her research focuses on industrial decarbonisation and just transitions and China’s role in these processes.

Dr Jiachen Shi is a Lecturer in Management Consulting and HRM at Leeds University Business School and a member of the Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change (CERIC). Her research focuses on the role of the state in shaping economic and labour transitions, examining how climate and energy transition policies and labour institutions interact within national planning frameworks to shape China’s approach to a just transition.