By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Assembly (NA) has passed its first bill aimed at addressing climate change, despite objections from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).
The bill was first introduced in Parliament in 2022 and focuses on establishing a strategy for addressing climate change and implementing a fair, long-term energy transition plan, and ultimately fostering a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy in South Africa.
Presenting the case for the bill on Tuesday, Environmental Affairs Minister Barbara Creecy spoke to members of parliament, emphasising the need for the Climate Change Bill.
This legislation is designed to enable South Africa to adapt to the changing climate and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Creecy cited the findings of the Sixth Report of the International Panel on Climate Change, which indicate that the globe is nearing a 1.5-degree Celsius increase in temperature since pre-industrial times. Given these circumstances, the bill aims to enforce rapid carbon emission reductions and build resilience against climate change impacts.
“We have to adapt and build resilience to the impacts that will occur, even in a 1.5 degree world,” she said.
The address emphasised South Africa’s commitment to international agreements, noting its role as a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
The Climate Change Bill aims to align the nation’s efforts with these global initiatives by setting sectoral emission targets and establishing a system for monitoring and public reporting.
The Bill will also ensure the country reaches its Nationally Determined Contribution by assigning individual enterprises carbon budgets and facilitating public disclosure of the progress.
“We know climate change impacts will hit the most vulnerable communities first, and will hit them the hardest. A key part of building climate resilience is to set up ‘early-warning’ systems so that communities can prepare for disasters before they happen, “the Minister said.
The bill also stipulates that every level of government is legally obligated to harmonise their plans and policies to address climate risks. In recognition of existing financial constraints at the municipal level, it offers mechanisms for national government support.
Moreover, it calls for the development of early-warning systems, leveraging existing technologies from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) to mitigate natural disaster risks.
Broadening the scope of responsibility beyond governmental bodies, the bill aims to establish the Presidential Climate Commission. This statutory body would involve communities, organised labour, businesses and civil society in a collective effort to address climate challenges.
Creecy also referred to international solidarity, mentioning the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for financial assistance from developed countries to support climate action in developing nations.
South Africa aims to leverage its rich renewable energy resources and critical minerals to be a frontrunner in sustainable industrialisation.