About Just Urban Transitions

Just Urban Transitions is a project that focuses on unpacking the consequences of South Africa’s low-carbon transition, focussing mainly on the energy transition, for the urban context.

What is the Just Urban Transitions Project?

Just Urban Transitions is a project that focuses on unpacking the consequences of South Africa’s low-carbon transition, focussing mainly on the energy transition, for the urban context. We collaborate with other organisations working on relevant issues to surface and characterise

There are many actors who work to support municipal governments in mediating this interface. Notably, the South African Local Governments Association (SALGA) provides both technical and political support. The Just Urban Transitions project exists to support these efforts.

The Just Urban Transitions project is designed and implemented by Adapt.

The Just Urban Transitions project is funded by Agora Energiewende.

Objectives

The Just Urban Transition exists to facilitate sense-making for South Africa’s just transition at an urban scale.

There is an urgent need for a coherent investigation and delineation of the just transition for cities and towns, and proposals for a policy framework and practical implementation strategies. South Africa’s inequalities exist between different provinces, different cities and towns, and within these towns. Each level of inequality has consequences for what is possible and what is necessary for just urban transitions. The role of SALGA, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and other organisations that can facilitate a coherent approach to a just urban transition is critical to achieving fair, equitable and democratic processes and outcomes.
In terms of the energy transition, in particular, South African subnational face a range of challenges, given their constitutionally mandated authority and duty to implement electricity reticulation, together with a range of other basic services. In the context of South Africa’s constrained and coal-dependent energy supply, and increasingly frequently experienced climate change impacts, local governments also have to facilitate local economic development. These complex challenges are compounded by a national economic recession, deep socio-economic inequality and now COVID-19.

These municipal challenges are underrepresented in the national conversation on a just and sustainable energy transition. Much of the current discourse is focused on Eskom and its current troubles. While this is undeniably important, concurrent attention to other important parts of the system is necessary.

Our Partners

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We work closely with SALGA

The role of SALGA, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and other organisations that can facilitate a coherent approach to a just urban transition is critical to achieving fair, equitable and democratic processes and outcomes.

Years Established

Completed Projects

Our Team

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Chris Brannan

Chris Brannan

Instructor

Nilson Smith

Nilson Smith

Instructor

Jenny Hammond

Jenny Hammond

Instructor

Nathan Tolly

Nathan Tolly

Instructor

Claudia Domini

Claudia Domini

Instructor

Nicole Smith

Nicole Smith

Instructor