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From, May 4-5, Professor Sarah Matsumoto, Director of the Getches-Green Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law Clinic attended the second annual Pan-Pacific sustainability Scholars workshop held at The University of Sydney Law School in Sydney, Australia. While there, Matsumoto had the opportunity to present an early draft of her paper examining the concept of "just transition" and state efforts to facilitate that transition.

“In the context of climate change policy and shifting to more renewable and sustainable forms of energy, a "just transition" is one that is fair, inclusive, and seeks to ensure that workers and communities who will be most affected by the shift are not left behind,” Matsumoto explained. “For example, towns whose economies heavily depended on coal mining or coal-fired power generation will be significantly impacted by closing mines and decommissioning those plants, so having a long-term transition plan in place that includes new economic opportunities for workers will be critical.”��

Matsumoto shared that a handful of states already have dedicated offices or agencies aimed at supporting a just transition—Colorado being one of the first in the country. Her paper compares the current state offices/agencies and examines their various functions. In addition, it explores how these offices might be impacted by the federal government's stated goal of "energy dominance" and recent orders to keep coal plants operational even when they've been slated to retire.��

Some of the fews Professor Matsumoto enjoyed during her time in Australia.��

“I am very grateful for the feedback and suggestions I received [for my paper],” Matsumoto said. “Other attendees offered ideas of articles and literature I might read and include in the paper, or ways to organize or frame my arguments that could make the paper more compelling.”��

Not only did they provide vital feedback to fellow scholars, workshop attendees shared research about projects in Australia, Japan, Pakistan, China, New Zealand, and the Philippines, among other countries, offering innovative, practical, and inspiring ideas for those at the event. One major takeaway Matsumoto shared was that while the scope of a problem like climate change is large, it creates opportunities for interdisciplinary work and creative thinking across many fields.��

Beyond the conference itself, Matsumoto’s time in Australia was rich with culture and nature. Highlights included an Indigenous-led tour of a local island exploring Gadigal traditions, runs through the Royal Botanical Garden, and a play and film at the Sydney Opera House. She was even able to partake in an introductory dive at the Great Barrier Reef, an experience that served as a firsthand reminder of exactly what is at stake in the work she and her fellow scholars are dedicated to protecting.��