President Ramaphosa Signs Climate Change Bill into Law for Low-Carbon Future

The new law aims to bolster South Africa's ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially enacted the Climate Change Bill, establishing a comprehensive national response to climate change that includes both mitigation and adaptation strategies. This legislation marks South Africa's significant contribution to the global fight against climate change.

"The Climate Change Act, endorsed by the President, facilitates the alignment of policies impacting South Africa’s climate change response, ensuring that the nation’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society is not hindered by policy inconsistencies," the Presidency announced on Tuesday.

The new law aims to bolster South Africa's ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. It also focuses on minimizing job losses and creating new employment opportunities within the emerging green economy.

"The Act strengthens coordination between national sector departments and establishes policy and decision-making frameworks to help South Africa meet its commitments under the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of the Paris Agreement," the Presidency explained.

South Africa is one of over 190 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that are parties to the Paris Agreement, which was established eight years ago.

South Africa’s mitigation measures address climate change impacts across various sectors, including water resources, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, human health, energy, industry, human settlements, disaster management, biodiversity, and ecosystems.

"These impacts will disproportionately affect poor communities and vulnerable groups, potentially hindering South Africa’s development and economic growth objectives, such as job creation and poverty reduction," the Presidency stated.

The Climate Change Act also outlines the functions of the Presidential Climate Commission, which provides advice on the nation’s climate change response to ensure an effective and just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society.

Additionally, the law defines the roles of provinces and municipalities in implementing mitigation efforts, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to combating climate change across all levels of government.