Industrial policy in an era of global structural change : implications for southern africa how the transition to a circular economy can assist in a just transition
Gihring, Katharina (African Circular Economy Network)
Kasner, Sally-Anne (African Circular Economy Network)
Mono, Katharina (African Circular Economy Network)

Data:	2023
Resum:	The circular economy has been identified globally and in South Africa as a model to transition from an inherently extractive carbon-intensive economy to an economy that is locally more attuned, resilient and inclusive. Little attention has been placed on the social dimension of a Circular Economy, which is predominantly framed as a resource focused concept. This is also reflected in South Africa, where the circular economy is predominately seen as a waste management approach. However, in a country with deeply engrained and persistent inequalities the social dimension is of utmost importance. JUST2CE, is a Horizon 2020 project, that investigates and scrutinises the just aspect of the Circular Economy. The research question addressed in this paper is: How can the circular economy enable a just transition for South Africa? Two national co-creation workshops and semi-structured interviews were held between March and May 2023 to identify barriers and develop technological and political interventions that are required to transition to a just circular economy following an emerging transition design approach. The collected data was analysed using content analysis to identify common themes. Eighteen and eleven main coding categories were structured for the problem map and perception map respectively. Key challenges that must be considered in a transition include the country's Apartheid history and the consequences thereof today, including the continued lack of access to services and infrastructure, including energy, water, education, and technology 29 years since the first democratic election. Particularly vulnerable populations bear the burden, shaped by spatial, racial, and gender inequalities. Stakeholders hold various perceptions about a just circular economy transition. Stakeholders express concerns about a perceived lack of urgency regarding the crisis. Nevertheless, participants firmly believe that a fair transition to a clean energy (CE) system can effectively tackle societal, environmental, and economic challenges. They are optimistic that by addressing these challenges effectively, seizing opportunities, and prioritizing societal wellbeing, the desired outcomes can be achieved. Nine key areas for enabling a transition were identified. Key recommendations including the development of a comprehensive National Just Circular Economy Roadmap to build on ongoing initiatives. It is essential to develop training programs to empower future workforces aligned with the principles of a circular economy. Additionally, there is a need to re-skill individuals transitioning from traditional sectors to embrace the opportunities in the emerging circular economy industries. Based on reviewed literature the current just transition discourse in the country is driven by climate change adaptation and mitigation and has not sized the potential of the circular economy as an overarching framework yet. The just transition in South Africa strongly focuses on labour in the energy sector. Other dimensions such as environmental justice, gender, and governance need to be included.
Ajuts:	European Commission 101003491
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Llengua:	Anglès
Document:	Informe
Publicat a:	TIPS Annual Forum 2023. Johannesburg, : 2023

24 p, 2.3 MB

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