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Coordinated climate action needs to be urgently accelerated at all levels of society

Coordinated climate action needs to be urgently accelerated at all levels of society
Nokwethaba Makhanya
By Nokwethaba Makhanya
31 Jul 2024
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The ‘State of Climate Action in South Africa’ report, released by the Presidential Climate Commission, delivers a critical message – we need a robust and coordinated response to meet or at least limit warming to as close as possible to the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target.

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) released its first State of Climate Action in South Africa report on Thursday 25 July. It offers a comprehensive overview of where the country stands concerning climate action both in terms of commendable efforts as well as worrying gaps in our efforts to secure a carbon-neutral and resilient future.

This report now serves as a valuable tool for ministers in 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 too slow.

This insufficiency is underscored by extreme weather events during 2023, including temperatures reaching a record-breaking high of 46.7°C in November at Augrabies in the Northern Cape, and devastating storms that saw the wettest March and September on record in Cape Town.

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.

Active citizenry


The report contains a survey by the Human Sciences Research Council which reveals strong public awareness and support for climate action. To capitalise on this, we must empower citizens with the knowledge and tools for active participation in the climate space.

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.

Transformed transport


Chapter nine of the report 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 is also critical.

However, there remains a need to address the 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 simply the number of vehicles would provide a more accurate picture of progress.

Climate resilience


The report's discussion on climate resilience highlights the need for 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.

Multi-stakeholder engagement


The report highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement but needs more 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. What is clear is 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-focused climate action. 

We can turn these ambitions into reality and build a sustainable future by working together. DM

Nokwethaba Makhanya is a climate science officer with WWF South Africa.

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