By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment Dr Dion George has approved the release of draft national greenhouse gas carbon budget and mitigation plan regulations for public comment.
The regulations, alongside the accompanying declaration of the list of greenhouse gases and activities and associated technical guidelines, will be published early in August.
“This significant step follows a comprehensive and inclusive consultation process, aligning with SA’s commitments under the Climate Change Act [of] 2024,”the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment said in a statement.
The DFFE added that they were designed to support South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions to limit greenhouse gas emissions to between 350-million and 420-million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030.
By setting clear carbon budgets and mitigation plans, we are ensuring that our nation meets its climate commitments while fostering economic growth and social equity.
“I encourage all stakeholders to engage with the public comment process to shape these vital regulations,” George said.
South Africa is one of more than 190 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change who are parties to the eight-year-old Paris Agreement.