External publications

Advancing the just energy transition whilst navigating the water-energy-food-nexus for sustainable development

Reeler, James / Nokwethaba Makhanya / Caroline Gelderblom / Alexia Faus Onbargi
External Publications (2024)

Policy Brief (April 2024), published on wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org

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South Africa stands at a crucial crossroads, grappling with the complexities of sustainable development, climate action, and long-term structural inequality. Committed to the ambitious goals of Agenda 2030, as evident in its 2019 Voluntary National Review, the nation is striving to usher in an era of balanced growth and development. However, South Africa's ranking of 110th out of 166 nations on the Sustainable Development Goal Index underscores the pressing need for holistic policies that bridge these disparities. This policy brief responds to the pressing demand for harmonising the imperatives of a Just Energy Transition (JET) with the intricate dynamics of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus in the context of South Africa’s broader sustainable development imperatives. As the nation charts its path toward sustainable development, the JET stands as a key opportunity, guiding the nation toward a resilient, low-carbon economy. Simultaneously, the WEF Nexus underscores the undeniable interconnections among these vital sectors highlighting that a just transition cannot be limited to the energy sector alone. The central argument of this policy brief is that policy coherence is the key to attaining a more equitable and sustainable future. It illuminates the symbiotic relationship between the JET and the WEF Nexus and stresses the importance of confronting these challenges in a unified manner. This coherence goes beyond technical expertise, necessitating considering a broader range of non-technical factors, including political, social, economic, and environmental dimensions. To prevent policy incoherence and unintended disparities, policies must encompass the diverse interests, values, and perspectives of diverse stakeholders and communities. The complexity and interdependence of these policy issues mandate a holistic approach that incorporates social equity, economic consequences, and environmental sustainability alongside technical  considerations.