Time To Walk the Talk: Analysing the Contextual Conditions that Enable and/or Hamper an Inclusive Just Energy Transition from a Fossil-Intensive Economy to a Low-Carbon Economy
Abstract: To mitigate the effects of global warming the Paris Agreement on Climate change was adopted in 2015 in order to hold all countries accountable to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius and if possible 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the Paris Agreement implies, but does not directly address the necessity to leave fossil fuels underground. This research focuses on a case study of the decarbonization of the coal industry in South Africa. Due to South Africa’s heavy reliance on its coal industry, a radical and inclusive energy transition is required to reduce the impact of the effects of climate change. There is a gap in knowledge on the overarching connection between the unequal power dimensions of formal and informal stakeholders of the fossil fuel industry and how this affects the inclusiveness of the climate policies they develop. Therefore, the main guiding research question is: How do unequal power dimensions amongst stakeholders developing climate policies influence a just and inclusive energy transition out of a fossil fuel intensive economy? Using a literature review, a content analysis of reports written by relevant stakeholders, and semi-structured interviews, the coal industry of South Africa was studied. This thesis looks at the role of interactive governance and how civic engagement and initiatives can enable better social cohesion throughout South Africa. It was found that there is a lack of unified voice amongst formal and informal climate institutions. Due to the different definitions of an inclusive transition, stakeholders develop conflicting objectives. Therefore, without social cohesion, inclusive climate policy development is inhibited. Secondly, due to the unequal power distribution within the energy sector, influential stakeholders acquire high vested interests and employ strategic communication tactics like greenwashing and climate denial to influence the climate policy debate. Finally, the lack of public awareness and spread of misinformation remain issues in energy sector of South Africa which affect the inclusivity of the energy transition.