IMG 20240724 WA0002
President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Climate Change Bill into law, launching a crucial step towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future and a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change.
(The Post News)- On Tuesday, July 23, the presidency announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Climate Change Bill into law, launching a comprehensive national response to climate change.
With this groundbreaking legislation, South Africa aims to boost its ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions, develop climate resilience, and create new jobs in the green economy.
The Climate Change Act is designed to ensure a smooth transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy by aligning policies that impact South Africa’s climate change response.
It sets the framework for meeting the commitments outlined in South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement while strengthening coordination between national sector departments.
As one of over 190 signatories to the Paris Agreement, South Africa plays a vital role in the global fight against climate change, with its NDCs outlining the country’s commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of international climate change mitigation efforts.
The Act tackles climate effects on multiple fronts: water, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, health, energy, industry, human settlements, disaster response, and biodiversity.
“The Climate Change Act is a vital tool to combat the climate crisis,” said James Reeler, WWF South Africa’s senior manager for climate action.
“After a decade of advocacy, it’s encouraging to see this Act finally passed. Meanwhile, South Africa has released over 4 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), and climate change’s impact on lives and livelihoods has grown more evident,” he added.
The Act establishes the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), offering crucial guidance to the government on climate mitigation and adaptation.
Louise Naudé, a climate change specialist at WWF and commissioner on the Presidential Climate Commission, outlined the commission’s key responsibilities.
“As a Schedule 3 entity, the Presidential Climate Commission is empowered by the legislation to serve as a trusted advisor to the government on climate issues. Our established partnerships with the presidency and key ministries will continue, guaranteeing that varied perspectives are taken into account and grounded in solid evidence,” Naudé stated.
The legislation further requires national, provincial, and local governments to incorporate climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies into their decision-making processes, planning, and operational activities.
This approach seeks to promote awareness and empower local communities to engage in climate-related decision-making, promoting a climate-resilient development path.
While progress has been made, challenges persist. Notably, regulations governing carbon budgets for high-emitting companies and sectoral emission targets are still outstanding.
Reeler noted that even with significant challenges remaining, the Climate Change Act offers a crucial foundation for South Africa’s journey towards a sustainable future.
About the Author
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!