In this episode, Joan Stott joins us from the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) to delve into South Africa's pivotal journey from coal dependency to embracing renewable energy, and how on earth we're going to pay for it.

Together, we explore the real costs, challenges, and choices facing our country's path to unlocking the finances we need to afford a greener future. Listen in as we uncover the contested roles of international funders, policy-makers, community members, and our collective advocacy.

Guest: Joan Stott: Senior researcher at the Institute for Economic Justice, with extensive experience in public finance, economic policy, and institutional capacity-building across Africa.

In this episode, we cover:

• What climate finance means for South Africa’s just transition
• The challenges facing communities most affected by energy shifts
• How international partnerships often bring debt obligations
• Alternative policies and the role of carbon tax in funding climate response
• Why community engagement and advocacy are essential
• The link between climate finance and broader economic policy
• How collaboration can amplify efforts for a sustainable future

Want to learn more?

Institute for Economic Justice: https://www.iej.org.za

Key points:

• 00:00 Understanding Climate Finance in South Africa
• 05:17 The Just Transition: Challenges and Opportunities
• 12:05 Alternative Policies for Climate Finance
• 17:58 Advocacy and Community Engagement
• 26:39 The Interconnectedness of Climate and Economic Policies