South Africa recently passed the Climate Change Act, a significant development for the country’s environmental efforts. The Act, signed into law by President Ramaphosa on 18 July, aims to reduce climate damage and address the impact of climate change.
Although the Act is not yet in effect and requires a proclamation from the President to become operational, it has been in the works for several years. The Bill was first introduced in 2018, with subsequent steps including its introduction in February 2022, passage by the National Assembly in October 2023, and approval by the National Council of Provinces in April of the current year.
The legislation establishes greenhouse gas emissions targets for key government sectors such as transport and agriculture, as well as mandates for cities and towns to develop adaptation plans. Additionally, companies with significant emissions will be subject to carbon budgets. However, the Act faced criticism for not making it an offence to surpass official emissions limits, following lobbying efforts by corporations.
Environmental experts have raised concerns about the delay in the Act’s enforcement, as it awaits the proclamation from the President. Despite this, organizations like the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) view the law as a positive step forward for South Africa. CER pollution and climate change lawyer Brandon Abdinor acknowledged the Act’s potential to facilitate emissions monitoring and mitigation efforts, even though it could have been stronger in penalizing excess emissions.
The Act also aligns with the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, incorporating reduction targets into domestic law. Chairperson Nqabisa Gantsho emphasized South Africa’s dedication to implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies, expressing optimism in the country’s ability to combat climate change.
In conclusion, the Climate Change Act represents a significant milestone for South Africa’s environmental policy, signaling a commitment to addressing climate change impacts and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While there are areas for improvement, the Act provides a framework for monitoring emissions, implementing mitigation plans, and aligning with international climate goals. With continued efforts and collaboration, South Africa aims to make progress in combating climate change and protecting the environment for future generations.