South Africa has taken a significant step towards tackling climate change with the signing of a new Climate Change Act.
The law, which was signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, sets ambitious targets for reducing emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Key provisions of the act include:
- Emissions caps for large emitters: The environment minister will allocate carbon budgets to large companies, setting limits on their greenhouse gas emissions over a specified time.
- Adaptation plans for every city and town: Every province and municipality is required to assess climate change risks and develop a response plan.
- Sectoral emissions targets: Emissions targets will be set for high-emitting government sectors such as agriculture, transport, and industry.
“This is a landmark moment for South Africa’s climate change response,” said Brandon Abdinor, a lawyer at the Centre for Environmental Rights. “It puts the basic architecture in place for us to meet our commitments under the Paris Agreement.”
While the law is a welcome development, many challenges remain. Funding for the transition to a low-carbon economy is still unclear, and the law does not yet include penalties for exceeding carbon budgets.
However, the new act is a strong signal that South Africa is serious about tackling climate change and transitioning to a more sustainable future.
