Global Conference in Africa Explores Green Taxes for Climate Action and Justice. The role of environmental taxes in driving climate action and ensuring a fair transition to sustainable energy takes centre stage at the 25th Global Conference on Environmental Taxation (GCET).
Stellenbosch Business School is hosting the event for the first time on African soil from 18 to 20 September 2024.
The conference aims to tackle how taxation can help combat climate change while promoting energy systems that benefit all.
With the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) set for full implementation by 2026, one major focus will be on how these carbon taxes will affect developing countries, particularly those in the global South that rely heavily on exports to the EU.
Under the theme, “Towards a Just Energy Transition: North and South Perspectives,” the conference brings together policymakers, academics, and professionals from global institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the UN Environmental Tax Subcommittee, the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
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Global Conference in Africa Explores Green Taxes for Climate Action and Justice: Statements from the Chairperson
Professor Lee-Ann Steenkamp, associate professor at Stellenbosch Business School and chair of the conference, emphasized the significance of hosting the event in Africa at a time when the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that “it’s now or never” for climate action.
“The transition to clean energy must prioritize inclusion and fairness, especially in regions like Africa, where extreme inequality, unemployment, and poverty persist. This is a critical moment for green finance and policies encouraging sustainable business practices,” said Steenkamp.
This year’s event also marks the rise of international climate finance, particularly through initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a deal that South Africa entered into with international partners during COP26 in 2021.
According to Steenkamp, such agreements are redefining climate finance strategies, and other developing nations are expected to need similar support for their low-carbon transitions.
Held at the Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Study (STIAS), the conference will delve into global trends in carbon pricing, emissions trading, green fiscal reforms, and public-private partnerships that aim to facilitate a fair and inclusive shift toward clean energy.
Keynote speaker Saliem Fakir, founder and executive director of the African Climate Foundation, will address the unique intersection of climate action and socio-economic development in Africa.
His work has helped position Africa as a critical player in crafting equitable climate solutions.
One of the core themes of the conference, according to Steenkamp, is the need for dialogue between the global North and South.
With different challenges and capacities to respond to climate crises, countries need to collaborate in developing taxation and policy tools that consider these disparities.
“The idea of a just energy transition has become a hot topic in South Africa and other emerging markets. Achieving this goal means combining market signals and government policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring workers and vulnerable communities aren’t left behind,” Steenkamp noted.
The conference is regarded as the world’s premier platform for sharing research and strategies on using taxation and market-based solutions to protect the environment, promote sustainable development, and secure global energy futures.
Attendees include a cross-section of stakeholders from academia, the legal and tax professions, government, and international organizations, ensuring a wide-ranging and impactful exchange of ideas.
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