What is it about?
The paper uses a new framework to understand vulnerability of communities and regions to the energy transition. It covers exposure to coal closures, sensitivity to job losses and economic impacts, and the capacity of people and institutions to cope. It collates data, calculates indexes and maps it in GIS to show where the most vulnerable people are in South Africa.
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Why is it important?
It is the first time this type of analysis has been done in South Africa. It provides a national assessment but digs down to the local level. It shows where we need urgent attention to protect the most vulnerable.
Perspectives
This paper captures a diverse set of elements that make up community vulnerability, and combine them in a way that supports policy and management of the just energy transition.
Dr Megan Cole
University of Cape Town
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A coal transition vulnerability index for South Africa, The Extractive Industries and Society, March 2026, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2025.101815.
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