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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Climate Scorecard’s 2024 Government Climate Leadership Award is presented to a country official who has done the most to reduce emissions in their country’s government over the past year. Below is a copy of the letter sent to each nominee and why they were chosen to receive this award.South Africa 2024 Climate Scorecard Award: Mayor...
General elections will be held in South Africa in May of this year. South Africa will elect new National Assembly members as well as the provincial legislatures in each province. The elections are done after every five years. Over 350 political parties are expected to contest the 2024 general elections. However, the main political parties...
South Africa has been experiencing harsh and extreme climate change impacts. These impacts significantly affect agriculture, human health, and water availability. Climate change has altered seasons in Southern Africa, including South Africa. South Africa is now experiencing heavier rains in most parts of the country. However, the western region is increasingly getting dry. These droughts...
South Africa has climate mitigation and adaptation plans that the South African Cabinet has approved, including the Just EnergyTransition (JET) strategy. In 2021, South Africa updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a Paris Agreement-mandated five-year climate change action plan to increase emission reduction and reach net zero by 2050. Alongside that Paris Agreement, the President...
