| Work Detail |
Western Cape leads provincial climate action, with a comprehensive net zero target incorporated into regional policy. While sub-Saharan Africa has enormous potential for climate leadership due to its abundance of natural resources and renewable energy potential, the region’s economic vulnerability and reliance on fossil fuels necessitate the inclusion of equity in climate agreements. This is according to a report released by global research organisation Net Zero Tracker (NZT) in partnership with South South North – a non-profit organisation focusing on climate change and social development. The research examines South Africa’s national, provincial, and local climate pledges, emphasising how the public and private sectors incorporate equity into their fair transition commitments, climate mitigation methods, and goals. The report indicates that South Africa stands at a crossroads in its climate journey. “The country’s energy landscape relies heavily on coal, which presents significant challenges in balancing climate commitments with socio-economic needs.” “South Africa has committed to peak greenhouse gas emissions of 398–510 MtCO2e by 2025, decreasing to 350–420 MtCO2e by 2030. However, the net zero target lacks transparency regarding carbon removal and does not fully cover all sectors and gases, with its success contingent on support from developed countries within a fair share framework. “The country’s heavy reliance on coal makes it vulnerable to the impacts of decarbonisation, which threatens many communities. South Africa has established a Just Energy Transition framework to address these challenges and ensure ‘no one is left behind’ by supporting affected communities and workers.” Climate action across South Africa’s provinces Zooming in on provinces, the research reveals that the Western Cape leads provincial climate action, with a comprehensive net zero target incorporated into regional policy, demonstrating a strong commitment to national and international climate goals. For KwaZulu-Natal, the report states that while the province has pledged a net zero target, it lacks detailed just transition planning or integration into formal policy. “The province has primarily focused on emissions reduction, with limited efforts to support workers and communities affected by decarbonisation. “Given the province’s industrial economy, enhanced just transition measures are crucial to ensure that vulnerable populations are adequately supported during the transition.” The report indicates that the country’s economic hub, Gauteng, aims for net zero emissions by 2050. It states that its provincial policies are weak and do not specify the extent of emissions to be targeted. Moving up to Mpumalanga, the report states that the province lacks a formal net zero target. “Its climate strategy mainly addresses the transition away from coal without a structured long-term goal.” The report indicates that Limpopo commits to an emissions reduction target, but its climate policies do not elaborate on the scope of the emissions it intends to reduce. The report states that the North West, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape have not adopted formal climate emission targets and their just transition measures remain minimal. “Facing significant socio-economic challenges, such as high unemployment, it is critical for these province’s policies to focus on building resilience and fostering equitable transitions.” Lastly, the report highlights concerns about the Free State, which it says does not have a net zero target, reflecting broader gaps in its climate strategy. “This is particularly concerning given its economic vulnerabilities, including high unemployment. The province lacks just transition measures, highlighting a need for structured approaches to manage the socio-economic impacts of climate change.” Amongst the recommendations, the research group calls for government coordination between city, provincial and national climate strategies through formal intergovernmental committees, leveraging the Climate Change Act (2024) for national oversight and alignment. They add that less affluent regions must be supported by providing targeted financial and technical assistance, including capacity building and resource mobilisation, as outlined in the Climate Change Act (2024). |
