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Green structural transformation in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Nishal Robb
  • Glen Robbins
  • Julia Taylor
  • Imraan Valodia

Abstract

South Africa faces complex tensions between its aspirations to achieve green structural transformation, its ambitious energy transition commitments, and the structural economic conditions that constrain their realization. We argue that emissions reductions achieved to date have been driven at least as much by economic stagnation, deindustrialization and energy system dysfunction as by policies aimed at decarbonization, factors which have also deepened the country's structural dependence on an exceptionally carbon-intensive production system entrenched in the apartheid era.

Suggested Citation

  • Nishal Robb & Glen Robbins & Julia Taylor & Imraan Valodia, 2026. "Green structural transformation in South Africa," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2026-62, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2026-62
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