Zimbabwe’s Readiness for a Just Energy Transition
Background
Among the key drivers for a just energy transition in Zimbabwe include the country’s vulnerability to climate change and its devastating impacts. Climate change poses an existential threat to the way of life through the increase of climate change-induced disasters such as extreme weather events leading to flooding and droughts. Whilst Zimbabwe’s greenhouse gas emissions are low in comparison to other developed countries, the country’s vulnerabilities are exacerbated by low socioeconomic infrastructure and development. The 2015 Paris Agreement underscores the need for a transition towards a more sustainable and zero-carbon economy for all, which will help in combating climate change and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For Zimbabwe, a just energy transition ensures environmental sustainability as Zimbabwe navigates the shift away from coal towards cleaner sources of energy. Fear, resistance, and intercommunity and generational conflict may all be avoided with open planning that incorporates equitable transition measures.
It should be noted that the just energy transition for Zimbabwe will not happen by itself. It requires robust implementation of plans and policies which include the National Energy Policy (NEP) and the National Renewable Energy Policy (NREP). Decarbonisation will require significant investment including the development of technologies. The just energy transition in Zimbabwe provides an opportunity for investment as well as enhanced partnerships between the Government and private actors. To attain set socioeconomic goals, the just energy transition should encompass key elements that include transparent engagement, accountability, accessibility, and affordability. Undertakings around the implementation of the just energy transition should be utilised to counter the negative impacts of climate change and should not contribute to human rights abuses and environmental degradation.
Against this backdrop, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) in partnership with the Southern Africa Trust, is convening a webinar to discuss Zimbabwe’s readiness for a just energy transition. The webinar will unpack the country’s preparedness to move away from the use of coal and other fossil fuels for power production through a critical analysis of the current socioeconomic context, existing practices, programmes, legal framework, and policies that can help promote or may hinder the transition to cleaner energy sources.
