The recent TRAJECTS Project Meeting 2024, held in Berlin, brought together representatives from TRAJECTS' global hubs, as well as fellows and experts on Just Transitions in energy, climate, and sustainability. Over several days, attendees participated in various activities and sessions that fostered dialogue and shared learning around Just Transitions.

Among the event's highlights were a visit to a coal mine in Lusatia, eastern Germany; a lecture on the role of the circular economy in Just Transitions; and a networking session that provided opportunities for connection, collective learning, and critical dialogue on just and sustainable transitions.

Exploring the Coal Mine at Lusatia

During this excursion, participants had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the ongoing land restoration efforts in the region. The visit provided a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning from a fossil fuel-based economy to sustainable land management.

TRAJECTS members visiting the coal mine in Lusatia.

Following the guided tour, a session was held to encourage critical discussions about the knowledge gained during the visit and the restoration plan. Participants were invited to share their reflections on the environmental, social, and economic implications of what they observed, engaging in dialogue about the broader challenges of transitioning from coal mining to sustainable land use.

TRAJECTS fellows sharing their research and reflecting on lessons learned in Lusatia.

Later, a valuable opportunity arose for fellows to present their research, share knowledge from their home countries, and reflect on how the lessons from Lusatia could guide their work. This exchange fostered deeper connections and collaborations among participants and offered diverse perspectives on transitions toward sustainability.

Lecture: "The Role of the Circular Economy in Just Transitions for Energy, Climate, and Sustainability”

The event also featured a lecture on the circular economy and its importance for achieving a Just Transition in energy and sustainability. Expert panelists included:

• Prof. Matthias Finkbeiner (TU Berlin)
• Prof. Andrea Carolina Cardoso Díaz (University of Magdalena)
• Prof. Harro von Blottnitz (University of Cape Town)

Each speaker offered unique perspectives on the role of the circular economy in driving sustainable energy, climate action, and broader transitions toward sustainability. Following the presentations, a dynamic roundtable discussion allowed the audience to interact directly with the experts in meaningful dialogue.

The event was livestreamed on Zoom with simultaneous translation into Spanish, enabling participants from various regions to actively engage. You can watch session recordings in both English and Spanish by clicking the image below.

Joint Virtual Lecture: "The Role of the Circular Economy in Shaping Just Transitions in Energy, Climate, and Sustainability"

Networking and Exchange of Ideas

During an informal networking session as part of the TRAJECTS Project Meeting, participants had the chance to meet local partners and TU Berlin faculty members, share their interests, and explore potential synergies and collaborations. The session concluded with inspiring connections and conversations within the framework of Just Transitions.

Networking session during the Project Meeting.

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