Prosperity Post-Fossil Fuels: Insights from the Salzburg Global Policy Dialogue on Just Energy Transitions

By Ellie Johnston
July 9, 2025

What does a just energy transition actually look like for countries that produce oil and gas?

I had the opportunity to explore this question last week at the 2025 Policy Dialogue on Just Energy Transitions in Salzburg—an energizing and thoughtful gathering of policymakers, researchers, and advocates from around the world.

Some of the key takeaways from this critical dialogue included:

  • Declining global oil demand is increasingly baked into energy outlooks from a range of organizations. Policies like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the rapid rise of EV sales in China are signs that major consumers are moving away from oil dependence. This is evidenced in the baseline scenario of our En-ROADS Climate Simulator as well. And, with additional climate action, the decline comes sooner and steeper.

I’m grateful to have learned from the participants representing countries like Nigeria, Brazil, Canada, Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Namibia—each bringing crucial perspectives to the table.

Huge thanks to our conveners: Salzburg Global, Climate Strategies, Stanley Center for Peace and Security, and Windward Fund.

Photo: Salzburg Global / Richard Schabetsberger

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