The Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) and SouthSouthNorth (SSN) have announced a new cohort of 30 awardees from Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America & the Caribbean, each receiving funding to implement projects helping communities adapt to climate change impacts. The ARA, launched at COP26, focuses on action-oriented, equitable, and user-driven research to deliver real solutions for those most affected by climate change. The awardees are working on projects such as community-centered early-warning systems, nature-based solutions, and knowledge-sharing to strengthen resilience, guided by the Adaptation Research for Impact Principles. This collaborative effort brings together various stakeholders to shape climate-resilient futures and ensure that research is driven by user needs, co-produced with local experts, and equitable in practice.
Author: Southsouthnorth
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Mpumalanga’s Just Energy Transition Can Succeed—But Only With Communities at the Centre
South Africa's transition to renewable energy in Mpumalanga, a coal-centric region, is gaining momentum with the Just Energy Transition Partnership promising investment and green jobs. However, research warns that without intentional design, benefits may not reach coal-affected communities. Renewable energy projects mainly offer short-term construction jobs, with few permanent roles filled by non-local workers due to skills gaps and distance from coal towns. To ensure a just transition, initiatives like local hiring, training, apprenticeships, and community involvement are crucial. Key actions include requiring community impact plans, strengthening training programs, supporting coal workers, and tracking outcomes to ensure shared prosperity and fairness in the transition.