A report by the Presidential Climate Commission in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) says 62% of South Africans approve of actions to change from coal to renewable sources of energy like solar and wind.

The Attitudes towards Climate Change and the Just Transition report contains results of a national survey assessing South Africans’ perceptions of climate change and the Just Transition.

The HSRC says the findings offer insights that could inform government strategies and interventions aimed at addressing the climate crisis and ensuring a fair and equitable energy transition.

It explores public awareness, personal experiences with extreme weather and attitudes towards transitioning from coal to renewable energy. It also examines support for climate policies, perceptions of responsibility and familiarity with the concept of the Just Transition.

The report, which says South Africans are far more aware of climate change than a decade ago, shows 72% are also aware that most of the country’s electricity currently comes from coal and that actions are underway to change from coal-fired power to other sources of energy like solar and wind.

In addition, 57% are worried they will be negatively affected by the change from coal to other energy sources like solar and wind. Another 51% believe load shedding will reduce or end while 24% believe it will worsen. 41% believe electricity prices will decrease while 33% anticipate increases.

The survey was conducted as part of the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS), an annual series managed by the HSRC since 2003. According to the report, for the 2023 edition, 3 103 respondents from a nationally representative sample of 3 500 households were surveyed, with participants aged 16 years and older. The sample was randomly stratified to reflect the population, and the data was weighted according to mid-year population estimates. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect responses, following protocols and quality control measures, such as fieldwork monitoring and back-checking.