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Development Studies scholar from CHS illuminates climate justice

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Recent graduate Dr Kholofelo Moeng, a lecturer in the Department of Development Studies in the College of Human Sciences (CHS), completed a groundbreaking thesis on the just transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy in South Africa, highlighting the critical issue of climate justice. This moment also celebrates the remarkable contributions of female researchers within CHS.

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Dr Kholofelo Moeng

The objective of her study was to contextualise the challenges associated with transitioning from the existing fossil fuel-based energy system to a cleaner, renewable energy model, commonly referred to as the just energy transition (JET).

Additionally, she investigated the projected effects of this transition on coal-dependent communities, with a specific focus on those located in the coalfields of Mpumalanga Province. These communities have historically relied on the coal industry for their livelihoods and economic sustenance. Her research is grounded in the concept of JET, which is a decarbonisation strategy aimed at achieving environmental sustainability while simultaneously promoting social equity.

Moeng’s research provides a critical analysis of the implications of JET for coal-dependent communities, whose livelihoods are inextricably linked to the coal economy. Through sustained participatory engagement with these communities, she uncovered the complexities inherent in JET, demonstrating that it is a multifaceted and non-linear process shaped by diverse and often conflicting economic and political interests.

While JET offers a potential solution to address environmental injustices and facilitate a transition to a post-coal economy, it also poses significant risks, including job losses, economic insecurity and further displacement of vulnerable families. Moeng’s work highlights the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach to tackling these contemporary "wicked" problems and emphasises the importance of advancing radical measures to achieve environmental justice.

* By Khabo Maduna, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences, with input from ChatGPT

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Publish date: 2024-10-14 00:00:00.0

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