In South Africa, climate change is a politically isolating issue.
South Africa‘s African National Congress (ANC) is quite committed to climate action. However, implementation of this goal has been criticized because of South Africa’s total dependence on coal. Reliance on coal reflects the need for the government to balance economic interests with environmental goals, which, in turn, affects the effectiveness of climate change policies.
Some political parties are advocating for the continued use of coal, opposing the transition to renewable energy. Even though ANC supports climate action and mitigation efforts, criticism from other parties undermines its energy policy position. In South Africa, climate change is a politically isolating issue.
South Africa has developed and implemented mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting requirements for key indicators. The key emission indicators are as follows;
- Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions: South Africa’s total GHG emissions.
- Sector-specific emissions such as:
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU)
- Waste
- Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF)
- Grid Emission Factors (GEFs) such as the Domestic Grid Emission Factor (DGGEF)
The key emitters are required to submit their data to the Department of Forest, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE)’s Regulations and Technical Guidelines for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) of emissions. Technical analysis of Biennial Update Reports (BURs) indicates a need for improved capacity in data collection and reporting for BURs and for the UNFCCC’s International Consultation and Analysis (ICA) process. The DFFE faces challenges in comprehensive data collection and analysis across all sectors.
In South Africa, the media plays a crucial role in creating climate change awareness, but coverage is often limited by a lack of depth in their understanding. In South Africa, economic issues, such as job security and energy costs, take precedence over climate change, impacting public and media support for climate action. Most South Africans’ perceptions of climate change are more influenced by their personal experiences with extreme weather events than by media reports.
However, social media plays an important role in shaping attitudes by acting as a primary information source, a platform for public discussion, a framing and narrative tool, a means of psychological connection, and a tool for mobilization. Research shows that social media can increase awareness of environmental risks and encourage pro-environmental behaviors.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard South Africa Country Manager, Rugare Zhou.
Edited by Diana Gastelum.
Learn More Resources
- https://africanarguments.org/2024/05/south-africa-2024-what-are-parties-promising-on-energy-and-climate/#:~:text=Undermining%20its%20purported%20commitment%20to,the%20roll%20out%20of%20renewables.
- Nina J.L. Rogers, Vanessa M. Adams, Jason A. Byrne 2024. Agenda-setting and policy leadership for municipal climate change adaptation. Environmental Science & Policy. Volume 161, November 2024, 103869
- Benjamin Roberts, JarèStruwig and Thobeka Zondi. 2023. Public Perceptions And Attitudes Relating To Climate Change andthe Just Transitionin South Africa:High-Level Findings From A 2023nationally Representative SurveyResearch Report June 2024
- National GHG Inventory Report South Africa 2000 – 2022