Participation in the governance of the green energy in South Africa

Date
2014-10-10
Authors
Oparah, Vincent Chima
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Abstract
South Africa’s bold steps and commitments to the green growth strategy are borne out of the need to link together development, economic growth and environmental damage. Environmental hardship has led to a decline in agricultural production and food insecurity, political quagmire by countries over carbon emissions, as well as threats to lives in forms of skin diseases and respiratory problems. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon dioxide (CO2) are associated to unclean energy usage worldwide, contributing to environmental damage and climate change. Again, South Africa is faced with electricity crises for nearly a decade. To surmount the twin challenges of environmental sustainability and energy security, this Southern Africa country adopted a green economy strategy, of which green (renewable) energy is the thrust of the approach. It has proposed a green energy policy, which has generated controversy and contestations from the members of the public and stakeholders alike. The controversy generated by the policy is inextricable linked to lack of participation by the relevant stakeholders in crafting the proposed clean energy policy. The purpose of this research is to investigate factors leading to lack of inclusivity and participation in the proposed implementation of a green energy strategy in South Africa. Following literature review, background studies, as well analyses of qualitative in-depth interviews, the study identified key findings that speak to the reasons for lack of inclusivity and participation in the governance of the green energy in South Africa. The major finding is that there is a huge communication gap between the decision makers and other relevant stakeholders in the country. Key recommendations have been made by the author for consideration by policy actors on the green energy sector, with social dialogue, robust communication and collective concrete actions as its focus. Key Words: development, environment, sustainability, participation, green energy
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Keywords
Energy policy , Renewable energy sources -- Government policy -- South Africa
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