East Germany and West Virginia are currently undergoing a transformation from a local economy that is dependent on the extraction of fossil resources, in particular different forms of coal, to an economic structure that cannot depend on the income from this natural resource any longer. What are the experiences of the affected communities? How are the local grievances dealt with and social needs addressed? And, can we identify best practices and learn from these different but shared experiences? This seminar will present initial findings from three months of field work in the United States and offer insights into the key similarities and crucial differences, successful models of regional development, as well as recommendations to manage structural change successfully via a just transition.