INVESTIGATION | The Climate Consultants: How Management Consultants Cash in on the Climate Crisis

The Climate Consultants: How Management Consultants Cash in on the Climate Crisis, a new report by Open Secrets, shows that consulting firms are playing a fundamental role in shaping responses to the climate and energy crises, whether it is in their work for South Africa’s largest fossil fuel companies and banks, or for public institutions and government. They do so despite serious conflicts of interest.

Given their track record and modus operandi in South Africa and elsewhere, it is concerning that private consultants have been given the opportunity to corner the market for advice on the climate crisis and a just transition with little scrutiny. The Climate Consultants spotlights the roles played by these consulting firms, and highlights that there must be public debate about how we hold these unelected private technocrats to account. We must critically assess their impact on South Africa’s pursuit of an energy transition that is just and benefits the most vulnerable and immediately affected members of society.
 

authored by Zen Mathe, Michael Marchant, Ra’eesa Pather, Luvano Ntuli and Ariella Scher