evidence: All scenarios that meet climate goals feature a rapid decline in coal use. It is the most carbon-intensive fuel, predominantly used in a sector – electricity generation – where renewable energy options are the most cost-effective new sources in most markets. Global unabated coal use in the energy system falls by around 5% to 2030 in the STEPS, by 10% in the APS, and by 55% in the NZE. However, managing the move away from coal is not simple, especially when it proceeds at the speed required in the NZE where all unabated coal power generation stops by 2040. [...] Delivering emissions reductions from the existing fleet of coal-fired plants is an even more crucial component of climate action, but a much trickier challenge for public policy. Given the dependence of a number of countries and regions on coal, the closure or repurposing of coal mines and power plants could have significant economic and social consequences. Coal-dependent regions are often highly specialised "mono-industry" areas, where the economy and the local identity are closely tied to the coal value chain. Managing closures appropriately and successfully depends on planning for the impacts on affected workers and communities, and on the repurposing and reclamation of affected land. This is likely to entail long-term engagement by many different parts of government, as well as local businesses.