Focusing on human development forms the basis for a just transition to zero emissions, Crispian Olver, Executive Director of the Climate Commission operating in South Africa, said at the joint session on Baku Human Development Initiative for Climate Resilience within the framework of COP29.
Report informs that he said as we move away from a coal-dominated economy, some sectors will disappear while many will grow dramatically.
Olver noted that a free approach where we just hope for the best will be extremely disruptive from a social perspective.
He said when we think about just transition, we think of skills and livelihood as two sides of the same coin.
The main goal is to give people a productive role in the economy, he said.
Olver noted that the education system in South Africa does not produce ready workforce.
The best learning and skill development actually happens through on-the-job training, he said, adding that employers know where the demand is heading and need to work in partnership with the government to ensure financing.