Between Confrontation and Cooperation

The Transition Conflict Jobs Versus Climate in the South African Energy Transition

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32387/prokla.v53i210.2030

Keywords:

Transition Conflicts, Transition Alliances, Energy Transition, Just Transition, Jobs Versus Environment

Abstract

Conflicts often arise when phasing out fossil fuels. In South Africa, the conflict of jobs versus climate emerges in the course of the competition between fossil and green hegemony projects. Nonetheless, trade unions and climate movements tried to develop joint strategies early on. After a period of intense conflict, these efforts have recently been taken up again. The example of South Africa shows that transition conflicts can divide progressive forces along the conflict line of jobs versus climate, but they can also generate learning processes. Under favourable conditions, these contribute to overcoming the conflict line and building counterhegemonic transition alliances.

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Published

2023-02-28

How to Cite

Kalt, T. (2023). Between Confrontation and Cooperation: The Transition Conflict Jobs Versus Climate in the South African Energy Transition. PROKLA. Journal of Critical Social Science, 53(210), 99–115. https://doi.org/10.32387/prokla.v53i210.2030