The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...
- WWF Global
- Adria
- Argentina
- Armenia
- AsiaPacific
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Borneo
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Caucasus
- Central African Republic
- Central America
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- European Policy Office
- Finland
Our News
We must accelerate climate action
Nokwethaba Makhanya highlights five key points covered in the Presidential Climate Commission's recently released State of Climate Action in South Africa Report.
This report now serves as a valuable tool for the ministers of the Government of National Unity to integrate climate action into their portfolios.
While South Africa is a signatory to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target the report reveals a sobering reality: our current pace of implementation is insufficient.
This insufficiency can be underscored by weather events of 2023, including extreme temperatures reaching a record-breaking high of 46.7°C in November at Augrabies in the Northern Cape and devastating storms resulting in the wettest March and September on record in Cape Town last year.
These events highlight the need for a robust and coordinated response to meet or at least limit warming to as close as possible to the 1.5°C target, with some indications that we are already in the process of breaching this number.
1. Active citizenry
The report contains a survey, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which reveals strong public awareness and support for climate action. To capitalise on this, it is crucial that we empower citizens with the knowledge and tools for active participation in the climate space
2. Just transition
The report rightly prioritises decarbonising the energy sector, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, must be accelerated. However, this shift must ensure energy access for all. As we phase out coal and other fossil fuels, communities dependent on these industries must be supported through reskilling and economic diversification initiatives.
3. Transformed transport
Chapter 9 outlines the necessary shifts to decarbonise the transport sector. The emphasis on increasing public transportation, walking, and cycling is a positive step. Electrification of vehicles through new energy vehicles (NEVs) is also critical.
However, there remains a need to address affordability and accessibility of public transportation for low-income households. Increased subsidies for minibus taxis and other options, coupled with infrastructure investments in underserved areas, are necessary for an inclusive system. Additionally, focusing on public transport occupancy rather than just the number of vehicles would provide a more accurate picture of progress.
4. Climate resilience
The report's discussion on climate resilience highlights the need for both infrastructure upgrades and operational/logistical adaptations. Nature-based solutions are innovative approaches with co-benefits for both mitigation and adaptation. However, the lack of resilience-specific indicators is a missed opportunity.
Building resilience for vulnerable communities must be a priority. This includes improving housing conditions, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and supporting local food systems. The report should have placed greater emphasis on integrating the needs and voices of these communities into climate action strategies.
5. Multi-stakeholder engagement
The report highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement but lacks details on how to facilitate and sustain it. Effective climate action requires robust collaboration between government, business, labour, and civil society. The report should outline specific strategies to enhance stakeholder participation and leverage their unique contributions.
The PCC report is a significant step towards transparent climate governance by accurately identifying the gaps and strengths of the current approach. It is clear that South Africa has a long way to go to achieve the carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy that is envisaged in our national plans and policies.
However, the just-signed Climate Change Act provides a key piece of legislation to enable the alignment of national government policy, as well as guiding sector-specific, vertically-integrated and company focusses climate action. By working together, we can turn these ambitions into reality and build a sustainable future.
*Nokwethaba Makhanya is a climate science officer with WWF South Africa.
© naturepl.com/Paul Williams/WWF
The Presidential Climate Commission has released its first State of Climate Action in South Africa report which gives a snapshot of the country's progress in the climate space.