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Paper short abstract:

This paper refers to “new” urban approaches (Just Urban Transition). It claims that this concept might only be a just and efficient tool for future-oriented and sustainable urban planning when it stronger considers social dimensions and their spatial unfolding.

Paper long abstract:

In recent years, the political concept of ‘just transition’ (JT) has shaped the alignment towards a more balanced perspective on sustainability transition by equally acknowledging the three pillars – ecology, economy and society. Almost used as a buzzword, this concept found its way into urban policy planning in the context of the Global South. Regarding climate change adaptation, research in African contexts often focuses on peripheral areas. However, urban spaces have tended to be neglected both in research and in policy-making processes. Against the high urbanization rates, population growth and the rampant pace of climate change (CC), relocation of these spatial prioritization appears to be indispensable. In this paper, we refer to “new” urban approaches such as “Just Urban Transition” and will critically discuss: Firstly, how does CC affect urban spaces in Southern Africa? What societal challenges do emerge in the various contexts in Southern Africa and what potential does JUT offer to these challenges? Do these approaches sufficiently consider social dimensions? We claim that this concept might only be a just and efficient tool for future-oriented and sustainable urban planning when it stronger considers social dimensions (i.a. gender, mental well-being, intersectionality) and their different spatial unfolding. As part of the interdisciplinary BMBF-funded project NISANSA (nisansa.org), which complements CC research with regional and social sciences perspectives, we will refer to contrasting empirical examples from Namibia, Malawi and South Africa. We demonstrate that integrating the social dimension into CC and urban future planning is pivotal and requires more attention in research.