Chapter 01 · Climate & transitionEnergy & Transition
Just transition
Definition
A just transition is an approach to economic and environmental change that seeks to manage social impacts, protect rights and support affected workers and communities.
References
explicitly referenced: transitioning to a low-carbon economy in a manner that is fair and inclusive to workers and communities (SA-specific framing embedded in national policy — Presidential Climate Commission).
JSE Sustainability & Climate Disclosure GuidanceJSE Sustainability and Climate Disclosure Guidance (2022) · verified 2026-08-22Official text
This reference provides supporting context for how “Just transition” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
Just transition should be read as an energy-transition term. Its meaning depends on the technology, market, contract, grid boundary and emissions-accounting method.
In practice, users should state the boundary, method, instrument and evidence. That keeps just transition specific enough for review without turning it into a broader claim.
Why it matters
Just transition matters because energy language can mix physical supply, contractual instruments, timing and emissions claims. Clear boundaries help readers understand what is actually being changed or evidenced.
Common misconception
A common error is to use Just transition without stating the system boundary or calculation method. Those details often determine the meaning of the claim.
Review questions
What instrument, boundary or method gives the term meaning? What evidence supports it? What limitation would change how a reader interprets the claim?
How it is used
In professional practice, “Just transition” helps governments, companies, investors and technical teams describe or assess an approach to economic and environmental change that seeks to manage social impacts, protect rights and support affected workers and communities. It is commonly encountered in climate strategies, transition plans, emissions inventories, scenarios and investment decisions.
A credible application identifies the relevant methodology, emissions boundary, baseline, timeframe and underlying data.