Equity and Just Transition Commitments in South Africa: A Multi-Tiered Assessment of Public and Private Approaches
As the climate crisis intensifies, transparency and accountability have become essential to ensure that commitments to net zero translate into meaningful action. Since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on 1.5°C, a surge in net zero pledges has revealed a critical challenge: differentiating genuine progress from hollow promises. The Net Zero Tracker (NZT), launched in 2021, bridges this gap by offering an independent global database to monitor and evaluate net zero commitments by countries, regions, cities, and major corporations. By delivering accessible, data-driven insights, the NZT fosters a “race to the top” in credibility, empowering stakeholders to scrutinise climate pledges with precision.
The South African Context
South Africa stands at a crossroads in its climate journey. With a coal-dependent energy sector underpinning its economy, the nation faces a delicate balancing act between achieving economic stability and meeting its decarbonisation goals. Robust tracking and enhanced transparency of net zero commitments at national and subnational levels are essential to raise ambition and attract investment for a sustainable transition. Equity lies at the heart of credible climate strategies, both in South Africa and globally. A Just Transition ensures that the move to a low-carbon economy is inclusive and fair, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities affected by socio-economic shifts.
A New Approach to Tracking Just Transition Progress
In a groundbreaking effort, SouthSouthNorth (SSN), in collaboration with the Net Zero Tracker (NZT), has developed an innovative methodology to assess climate mitigation targets and Just Transition measures across South Africa’s public and private sectors. This timely analysis examines the climate plans of South Africa’s national, provincial, and city governments alongside major corporations. The findings illuminate opportunities for a fair and sustainable shift from a coal-based economy to a green, low-carbon future. The paper provides actionable insights into how equity and Just Transition principles are being integrated into climate commitments. By highlighting best practices and identifying gaps, it serves as a critical resource for driving more effective, inclusive, and transparent climate action.
Why This Matters
South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy is not only a local imperative but a global benchmark for addressing the complex interplay of climate action, socio-economic stability, and equity. This paper offers a roadmap for stakeholders to align climate strategies with the principles of a Just Transition, ensuring that no one is left behind in the race to net zero.
Download the Paper
Dive deeper into our analysis and discover how public and private sector entities in South Africa are integrating equity and Just Transition principles into their climate commitments. Download the paper here and join the movement towards a fairer, more sustainable future.