Emerging economies, like South Africa, face the dual challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to develop economically, making them key players in global climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. South Africa, heavily reliant on coal, has committed to ambitious emission reduction targets through national laws and the Just Energy Transition Plan, which seeks to balance decarbonization with social equity. The country still requires substantial international financial support to achieve these goals, and the broader question remains whether rapid decarbonization can be achieved without hindering economic development.