‘Outstanding contribution to climate’: Politics and International Studies academics win prize
Professor Alex Beresford and Dr Ruth Bookbinder have been awarded the Priestley Centre Prize for Collaboration in recognition of their pioneering work on just energy transitions in South Africa.
On 30 June, the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures marked its 10th anniversary by celebrating outstanding contributions to climate research and impact, awarding two prestigious prizes that reflect the Centre’s core values of collaboration, excellence and real-world change.
The prize was awarded to Professor Alex Beresford and Dr Ruth Bookbinder for their collaborative project on just energy transitions in South Africa, influencing policy and practice on the ground.
Head of the School of Politics and International Studies and Principal Fellow of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, Professor Richard Beardsworth said,
I am thrilled that Alex and Ruth’s important work on just transition in South Africa has been recognised for its impact on energy transition and the communities affected. As we bring together the Faculties of Environment and of Social Science, we look forward to supporting further opportunities for excellent interdisciplinary collaboration.
South Africa’s energy transition is seen as an important global test case and received significant international financing through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) agreement signed at COP26.
Scepticism towards climate policy
South Africa’s shift from coal to renewable energy is a major socioeconomic transformation, supported by the JETP. However, in the Mpumalanga coalbelt, the closure of mines and power stations threatens the livelihoods of over 100,000 workers and their communities.
In partnership with the Sam Tambani Research Institute (SATRI) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Ruth and Alex have produced a unique dataset based on interviews with policymakers, civil society, and union leaders, alongside focus groups with workers. Their findings highlight widespread scepticism towards climate policy, driven by concerns that justice for working-class communities is being overlooked.
New bottom-up approach to ‘just transition’
In response, they are advancing a bottom-up model of just transition co-designed with workers. This has led to a major report for the Hans Böckler Foundation, a participatory documentary (Voices from the Green Transition), and supporting SATRI’s engagement with South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission to shape policy. They are also producing climate education resources for unions.
Alex said:
It has been a privilege to work directly with SATRI and the NUM on issues we all feel deeply passionate about. I am absolutely delighted to receive this award, which we dedicate to our partners and all those who have engaged with the project.
Ruth added:
Working with and building the relationship with SATRI has made this a rewarding project that I love being a part of so it’s exciting for it to be recognised by the Priestley Centre as well.
Ruth Bookbinder and Alex Beresford with NUM and SATRI delegates in Leeds
Further information
For more on the research project ‘South Africa’s “Just” Energy Transition, visit this page.
The project forms part of a wider global comparative study of just transitions across 14 countries. It has been supported by the Hans Böckler Foundation, alongside funding from the University of Leeds International Strategy Fund, Participatory Research Fund, and Higher Education Impact Fund Maturing Impact Fund (HEIF).
Main image: Professor Alex Beresford (left) and Dr Ruth Bookbinder (right)
