We are engaged in three inter related projects all in collaboration with the National Planning Commission and funded by Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED), the British High Commission and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

1. Two workshops on a Low Carbon Economy: the challenges and opportunities towards transformation

The intention is to run two workshops which will focus on planning issues in relation to a move to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and the link to climate change.  The workshops hosted by the National Planning Commission (NPC) have included key stakeholders from government, business, labour and civil society.

The first workshop held in March outlined some of the issues and raised critical international and national questions around a move to a low carbon economy within a context of serious domestic development challenges as well as the implications of the commitments made in Copenhagen and Cancun.

The second workshop will be over two days and will deepen what emerged from the first workshop with a particular focus on infrastructure and the mineral and energy complex. The aim of this workshop will be to explore questions related to implementation. A short piece of research focusing on alignment/misalignment of policies relating to climate change/low carbon and an analysis of why this is, will be undertaken and circulated to participants to inform the discussions.

2. Developing a practical and detailed understanding of low carbon economic transformation to inform the South African National Planning Commission’s long term Country Plan

To provide inputs to the NPC in developing the vision statement and national development plan for the country with regard to the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy.  This will include:

• Part funding of the second low carbon economy workshop on a transition to a low carbon economy to be hosted by the NPC.
• A set of NPC hosted round table engagements with key sector stakeholders.
• Research to deepen engagement and understanding of key issues raised within the sector workshop and round tables relating to the minerals sector (MEC), with a focus on how to open up viable spaces for transformation based on sound understanding of economic realities, technology, investment, etc.
• Opinion pieces to stimulate wider debate.
• Support civil society engagement and development of South African discourse, around the issues of climate and poverty as the relate to development path choices and the NPC draft plan.
• A  COP 17 side event on the work .
• A synthesis workshop looking to the next phase of the transition and a report on work and suggestions for a way forward.