South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has enacted a sweeping climate change law, setting emission caps for major polluters and mandating that all towns and cities create adaptation plans.
This new Climate Change Bill aims to help South Africa meet its Paris Agreement targets.
As one of the top 15 greenhouse gas emitters and the world’s most carbon-intensive major economy, South Africa struggles with its coal-dependent energy sector.
The law is crucial for addressing these challenges and aligning with global climate commitments.
Brandon Abdinor of South Africa’s Centre for Environmental Rights hailed the law as a milestone, marking the first time climate response has been incorporated into domestic legislation.
He acknowledged the need for extensive work to implement the act effectively.
The law requires provinces and municipalities to evaluate climate risks and develop response strategies.
It also mandates sector-specific emission targets, with relevant ministers responsible for achieving them, though allocations and penalties for exceeding limits remain unresolved.
The bill reflects a potential shift towards a more proactive climate stance from South Africa’s government.
While the energy minister promises to expedite renewable energy adoption, funding for the bill’s implementation remains uncertain, with current donor offers seen as insufficient.
