From Coal to Chlorophyll: Identifying Green Job Opportunities for Youth during South Africa’s Just Transition

In an attempt to mitigate their effect on climate change, a number of economies have already, or are in the process of shifting away from a reliance on coal-based power. This just energy transition means that many existing jobs in the coal industry will be lost in favour of so-called “green jobs”, which aim to contribute positively and sustainably to the environment. South Africa is one such economy that is embarking on the process of a just transition. But, given that the coal industry is predominantly represented by young people in the province of Mpumalanga, it is not clear how or if this vulnerable group will transition into newly created green jobs. Making use of occupational relatedness metrics, this research investigates the feasibility of green job opportunities to capture displaced youth in Mpumalanga, depending on their employment history. Results of this desktop study – which forms part of a larger cross-country study funded and led by the University of Cambridge – suggest that green jobs are relatively different to the existing experience and task competences of young people, and thus some form of reskilling programme is likely to be necessary for young people to take full advantage of the employment opportunities offered by green jobs.