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South Africa is a world leader in pursuing a just transition from coal – a major overhaul of the country’s economy and culture that supports the livelihoods of those who rely on the sector.
But those changes bring challenges and conflict, as well as crucial decisions to be made on who stands to benefit in this process and who has a voice.
This brief highlights the dynamics of just transition implementation unique to South Africa.
Transitioning away from coal is essential to limiting global warming to well below 2°C degrees above pre-industrial level, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. This transition portends considerable challenges for coal-producing regions and countries such as South Africa, due to their dependence on the coal industry for regional employment, local economic activity, and public budgets, and in some cases, for electricity generation, too.
Since the 2010s, the concept of a just transition away from coal has become central to South Africa’s energy and broader development policies and politics. This brief identifies the players and dynamics in South Africa’s just transition, and recommends transparent and inclusive decision-making as the country implements serious reforms that will make or break this effort.
This brief draws from the working paper, “Taking stock of the just transition in South Africa”.
Project / SEI aims to support transitions from coal that address inequality and poverty.
Initiative / The Carbon Lock-In Initiative seeks to uncover and address the barriers that uphold the fossil fuel-based economy.
SEI working paper / This working paper highlights the history of just transition discourse in South Africa's coal sector, with reflections on parties' conflicting viewpoints.
SEI brief / Some barriers to just transitions from coal in Indonesia could be addressed by recommendations here, for government officials, researchers and practitioners.
SEI brief / Challenges highlighted here inform policy, development cooperation and private finance, research and on-the-ground projects, for researchers and practitioners.
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