Coal and Energy in South Africa : Considering a Just Transition

Assesses the coal industry, theoretical debates about coal, and government's role in a just transition and sustainabilityMade up of 4 chapters laying the conceptual framework and 14 chapters describing the local consequences of mining for a South African medium-sized townAnalyses the current situation of the mining industry: the inequalities it creates, its role in environmental sustainability and health and the implication of mining practices for business and local governmentDiscusses the possible consequences of mine closures and how a just energy transition can be ensured Asks why the mining industry, government and unions promote the open mining townsCoal and Energy in South Africa: Considering a Just Transition investigates the consequences of shifting social responsibilities, new inequalities and the sustainability concerns created by the likely energy transition in Africa to end the fossil-fuel era.

Focusing on the local realities in a growing coal and energy town of South Africa, Emalahleni, it explores whether a just transition from coal-generated energy is possible and what the local implications will be of this global restructuring of the energy sector.