Abstract

In response to the urgent global need to tackle climate change, the “Just Transition” framework has emerged as a critical tool for promoting fairness and sustainability in climate resilience efforts. This article focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Angola, a country in the Global South burdened by climate change impacts despite lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to countries in the Global North such as the US and Europe. The article examines the economic, social, and political factors that may hinder the transition, including issues related to policy formulation, capacity building, political will, and corruption. Through interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), document analysis, and input from key stakeholders in sustainability and climate change discourse, this article aims to explore the feasibility and potential avenues for implementing a Just Transition approach in Angola. Primary data collection involved in-depth interviews with government officials, community leaders, and climate resilience experts, with a focus on diverse perspectives, including women. Additionally, FGDs were conducted to gather further insights, while document analysis provided additional context from policy documents and reports. By triangulating these qualitative data sources, the study aimed to gain a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play and potential pathways toward achieving a just transition in Angola and the wider Global South. Despite challenges like poor policy implementation and corruption, the article suggests that a just transition presents transformative opportunities across economic, social, and environmental spheres, contingent on meticulous planning, strong leadership, and sustained commitment to sustainability, particularly from governmental bodies.