Across the world, it has been acknowledged that climate change is a reality that needs to be addressed. Climate change has caused heating of the planet and oceans, damage to the environment, abnormal weather patterns and more natural disasters.
These impacts are felt disproportionately more by Indigenous peoples and local communities in the “global south” – a term for those countries that experience underdevelopment and poverty. This means that you, in South Africa, are being impacted by climate change.
Although considered a global south country, South Africa contributes to climate change through its reliance on coal and gas, which are fossil fuels and contribute to climate change emissions. In fact, South Africa is the most polluting country in Africa and most of the climate change emissions are from the use of coal.
The purpose of this guidebook is to give you the necessary information and tools to advocate for a better future through a Just Energy Transition.
This guidebook will:
- Define the Just Energy Transition and explain how it relates to Environmental Justice.
- Give you an overview of the current energy system in South Africa.
- Show you the transition from the current energy system to a future JUST system.
- Give you an understanding of public participation in laws and policies in South Africa and guide you as to the questions you should consider asking.
- Give you an understanding of how the South African government is faring when it comes to a Just Energy Transition – what is in place and what is not in place.
- Give you an understanding of how to participate in energy projects that may affect you and your community.
