27 October 2023
By: Liana Mocke
The first piece of legislation that will assist South Africa in addressing climate change and managing the country’s vulnerability to its consequences is one step closer to being implemented.
One of the aims of the bill is to establish better early warning systems for possible natural disasters. On Tuesday, the National Assembly adopted the Climate Change Bill, which was introduced to parliament in 2022. Several political parties, including the EFF, did not support it.
Barbara Creecy, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, said in her speech in parliament on Tuesday that the debate marked an important milestone in the “joint fight against climate change”.
According to the bill, Creecy is responsible, among other things, for allocating carbon budgets to companies as part of efforts to limit carbon emissions in South Africa.
“The Climate Change Bill will enable South Africa to make an orderly transition regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved by implementing sectoral targets for greenhouse gases,” Creecy said.
“The aim is to develop a robust strategy that addresses climate change and applies a fair long-term energy transition plan that will ultimately help South Africa achieve a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy.”
The bill also outlines clear legal responsibilities for the different levels of government to assess risks and expected consequences of climate change and to prepare plans to respond. Creecy said early warning systems will need to be established so communities can be warned in time to prepare for possible disasters.
Her department has already started securing funding to help municipalities prepare strategies on how to respond. “Our fundraising efforts will be aimed at improving existing infrastructure and replacing systems that are not working or are no longer applicable.”
The presidential climate commission will also be formally established within the law as a statutory body representing communities, organised labour, businesses and civil organisations.
Tuesday’s adoption by the National Assembly means South Africa is a step closer to having a legal instrument on climate change, to better manage its consequences and limit harmful emissions. It has now gone to the National Council of Provinces for further deliberation.
