In South Africa, there is a growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) available, however, they remain limited. The lack of local supply of EVs in South Africa is particularly in the entry- and midlevel market segments, with most available models competing in the high-end to niche segments. Few battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were available on...
Author: Rugare Zhou (Rugare Zhou)
South Africa Climate Leader Nomination: Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Minister of Electricity and Energy: Kgosientsho Ramokgopa When Minister Ramakgopa assumed office as the Minister of Electricity, South Africa struggled with the electricity crisis. Since his term in office as the Minister of Electricity, South Africa has started living without load shedding. Minister Ramokgopa has been given the 2024 Climate Leader Award because Minister Ramokgopa’s...
ARTsolar in South Africa
Solar technology is one of the technologies that is widely used to mitigate climate change. It impacts South Africa by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Very few companies in South Africa can produce the solar technology system. However, ARTsolar is one of the major companies that produces solar system technologies in South Africa. The price...
Due to Economic Challenges, Both Urban and Rural Communities in South Africa Seem to be Struggling to Accept and Adopt Renewable Energy
Even though South Africa has great potential for renewable energy, the adoption of renewable energy is very low. According to researchers, about 10% of households have adopted renewable energy for their day-to-day use. 90% of the South African population has yet to accept and adopt renewable energy. This is because renewable energy is still beyond...
Urbanization, Farming, and Mining have Reduced South Africa’s Forest Stock
In 2010, South Africa had about 3.93 Mha of natural forest, covering over 4.3% of its land area. In 2023, it lost 12.3 ha of natural forest, equivalent to 26.2 Mt of CO₂ emissions. From 2000 to 2020, South Africa experienced a net change of -142 kha (-1.9%) in tree cover. Stable forest 5.80 Mha Gain 388 kha Loss 530 kha Disturbed 1.28 Mha 2010 South Africa’s natural forests covered...
Recommendations to Strengthen South Africa’s NDCs
The NDC Partnership is a network of over 120 countries, facilitated by UNFCCC, that is dedicated to helping each other strengthen their Paris Agreement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Pledges. The Partnership has just released Version 3.0 of the NDC Navigator, an interactive tool that supports the development of updated country NDCs to be submitted in...
Fossil Fuels Still Dominate South Africa’s Energy Mix
South Africa is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Its emitting effect accounts for about 40% of the continent’s total emissions. South Africa is the most carbon-intensive developing country in the world, generating about 0.6kg of carbon dioxide per dollar of GDP. South Africa’s response to climate is to promote programs that lead...
Temperatures in South Africa have been Rising Faster than in the Rest of the World
Sub-Saharan Africa has been experiencing more frequent and more intense climate extremes over the past decades. Over Southern Africa, temperatures are expected to rise faster at 2° C, and areas of the southwestern region, especially in South Africa and parts of Namibia and Botswana, are expected to experience the greatest temperature increases. South Africa has...
Leading Country Climate NGOs: Earthlife Africa
Earthlife Africa, established in 1988 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a non-profit organization that champions the cause of a better life for all without compromising the environment or exploiting other people. It seeks to encourage and support individuals, businesses, and industries to reduce pollution, minimize waste, and protect our natural resources. Earthlife Africa helps create...
The Development of Voluntary Carbon Emissions Trading Systems in South Africa
Fig 1: Carbon Emissions Trading System Structure (A possible market structure is shown above with a nine-step process from project implementation to using the tax offset.)There are several planned or ongoing voluntary carbon offset systems in South Africa: They allow companies to mitigate their financial liability regarding the proposed carbon tax. Emission Carbon Tax...