Coloniality in discourse as a barrier to climate action: a case study of South Africa

Abstract: South Africa has a coal-based energy system and extractive economy, largely responsible for its relatively high emission levels compared to countries with similar GDP figures. This extractive, coal-based economy began during British colonization and today shows few tangible signs of transitioning rapidly to limit climate change. This thesis interrogates the role of coloniality in climate inaction, given that colonization is responsible for establishing fossil fuel dependence in South Africa. Combining theory on decolonization, specifically colonial hierarchies of power, with a critical discourse analysis, this thesis uses interview and policy data to show how colonial power hierarchies encourage climate inaction in South Africa, through normalizing emissions intensive development and silencing alternatives. In doing so,it highlights the need to recognize the colonial foundations of climate change and the potential for a coalition between decolonization and climate action to motivate for radical change both in South Africa and at a global level.