We are inviting contributions to an upcoming Symposium and /or an edited monograph titled "Operationalising a Just Transition in Africa: Possibilities and Pathways for Energy Systems in an Uneven Global Context". This symposium and proposed volume stem from research within the collaborative project, Operationalising a Just Transition in Africa (OJTA), funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The collaboration includes the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship’s (CAS) Environmental Humanities Programme, at the University of Pretoria, the African Research Impact Network (ARIN) based in Nairobi, and SouthSouthNorth (SSN), based in Cape Town.

Background

The urgent need for a transition to sustainable energy systems is indisputable in the face of escalating climate change driven by fossil fuel consumption. This transition must be just, equitable, and inclusive. The proposed monograph aims to integrate Just Transition principles into the heart of energy access initiatives, acknowledging and addressing the social and economic impacts of moving away from fossil fuels. The concept of a Just Transition should be a deliberate effort to safeguard the livelihoods of those affected, embodying the belief that the shift to cleaner and more sustainable energy should leave no one behind. OJTA highlights the need for all African countries to deepen their investment and finance provisions to meet increasing renewable energy targets as they ensure their commitments to reduce energy poverty. How these resources are provided to enable a shift to a greater proportionate share of renewable energy will inform the nature, context and framing of how a “just transition” is operationalised within each African country.

Scope and Objectives

We seek contributions for a diverse collection of essays that explore the integration of Just Transition principles into the pursuit of renewable energy access. As such, through the lens of the resourcing for this pursuit, this collection looks to gather diverse insights and experiences to provide both a continental perspective and a close examination of local responses in Africa. In the context of many frameworks, the book will seek to critically appraise the justice components within the emergent frameworks of Just Transition(s). The various themes have been identified to explore diverse conceptualisations of justice in various contexts and respective communities who find themselves within this transition.

Themes

1. Development and evaluation of policies promoting a just transition
2. Community engagement in energy transition
3. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Just Energy Transitions
4. The intersection of Energy Justice and Gender Equality
5. Financing, investment and sovereign debt restructuring
6. African Continental trade and the local beneficiation of energy value chains and Continental trade
7. Poetics of justice, transition and a changing climate

Contributors

We invite contributions from scholars across the humanities and sciences, policy experts, activists, community leaders, and industry professionals. This diverse group of authors will ensure a comprehensive perspective on the integration of Just Transition principles for sustainable energy access.

Submission Guidelines

Interested contributors are invited to submit abstracts (200-300 words) by 15 January 2024. Abstracts should clearly outline the proposed contribution’s focus, methodology, and relevance to the themes outlined above. We welcome submissions including academic papers, project case studies, and creative modalities such as photographic and digital projects.

Timeline

Please direct any queries and submit abstracts to [email protected]