As with preceding notions of economic opportunity such as “industrial conglomeration”, “local economic development” and the “digital economy”, the “green economy” runs the risk of becoming a fad, especially if viewed as something distinct from conventional economic theory. If South Africa is going to make good on the opportunities in the green economy, a clear understanding of the nature of these opportunities and the transitions required to realise them will have to become common-place within the country‟s civil service.

This paper maps developments in the (1) energy, (2) climate change adaptation and (3) water sectors that have the potential to benefit the South African economic development process. Whilst the risks associated with environmental disasters form part of the analysis, the emphasis is on the concepts and emerging opportunities that could benefit South Africa‟s development cause. The underlying assumption is that economic growth is necessary and important; not only is this growth compatible with environmental considerations, but in South Africa‟s case it is inextricably dependent on such considerations.