Session: 01-01 A Just Transition to a Sustainable Future

Paper Number: 117994

117994 - An Exploratory Analysis of the Legal Implication of “A Just Energy Transition” 

This paper explores legal implications of the ‘just transition’ to a low carbon economy in South Africa. The new phenomenon, a ‘just transition’ is increasingly becoming the mantra for those agitating for the massive reduction in the use of fossil fuels to ensure that efforts to steer society towards a lower carbon future is realisable. In order to accomplish this, existing pro-carbon dioxide laws need to be reformed or outrightly outlawed so that pro-renewable energy laws are put in place to drive the implementation of a just transition. Currently, in South Africa, the Climate Change Bill is being debated in the Parliament. Undoubtedly, if passed to law, this will impact the use of coal and other fossil energy to power plants, equipment and machines in the industry. Against this backdrop, and being under-researched area, this paper seeks to fill the vacuum by providing insights into the impact and effect of the laws on the new phenomenon.

Presenting Author: Kola Odeku UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO

Presenting Author Biography: Kola looks at law and sustainable development