EDITORIAL: Time is tight for green transition that works for all
All stakeholders will have to get around the table to figure out what a just energy transition might look like and how it can be achieved
While there are exceptions, such as the president of the US, that the migration from fossil fuels to greener power in order to limit climate change is inevitable and necessary is beyond debate. The world is already making strides aided by changes in technology that may make what seemed overly ambitious and expensive just a few years ago attainable. Of course that will also depend on governments setting up appropriate policy frameworks and ensuring regulations do not stand in the way of market-based solutions. In SA, a related concept has been getting traction though it is not clear if this is merely lip service. The concept of a “just energy transition” adds a social element, to ensure the move is linked with other goals such as reducing poverty and inequality. While there is no clear agreed definition, the consensus view is that a move to a zero-carbon economy should not leave current levels of poverty and inequality intact. SA being unprepared to take hold of opportunities pr...
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