In April this year, the National Council of Provinces passed the country’s first climate change bill, following the passing of the bill by the National Assembly in October.
Virtually all countries that are major emitters of greenhouse gases now have laws in place to control emissions, conserve energy, avoid deforestation or promote cleaner forms of energy production. Many African countries have also outpaced us. For example, Kenya, Benin, Nigeria, Uganda and Mauritius have all enacted comprehensive climate change laws. Six years have passed since the bill was first released for public comment and its enactment has now become urgent.
It will give the country the tools it needs to ensure its myriad policies remain aligned and climate-relevant. Amongst these is the amendment of the Integrated Resource Plan which aims to provide a roadmap for meeting South Africa’s forecasted electricity demand, while remaining consistent with South Africa’s emission target. In so doing the bill positions itself as an institutional strategy setter that codifies the future direction of national climate policy.
For example, the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which comes into full operation in 2026, is anticipated to stunt domestic growth by 9.3% by 2050 and cut exports by 10%. It has been criticised by the South African government as a foreign instrument that dictates domestic policy.