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Open for public comment:

South Africa’s draft NDC for public comment: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

South Africa has published its second nationally determined contribution (NDC), under the Paris Agreement, for public comment. It outlines the country's commitments and strategies for addressing climate change through mitigation, adaptation, and support measures.

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The Government Notice from the DFFE is available here.

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National Goals and Adaptation Strategies

South Africa has established seven national goals to address climate change, focusing on adaptation and resilience. ​

• The goals encompass water, food and agriculture, health, infrastructure, human settlements, poverty, and livelihoods. ​

• Several goals have cross-cutting characteristics, addressing poverty, inequality, cultural heritage, and ecosystem protection. ​

• The country aims to produce synthesis reports on adaptation every two years to inform transparency reports and the global stocktake. ​

• Interventions are being costed to support the achievement of these goals, emphasizing equity and ambition. ​

 

Institutional Arrangements for Climate Action

South Africa's Climate Change Act provides a framework for implementing adaptation strategies across various government levels.

• The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries is developing adaptation objectives aligned with national strategies. ​

• The Presidential Climate Commission advises on transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. ​

• The South African National Biodiversity Institute and the Development Bank of Southern Africa mobilize climate finance for adaptation and mitigation. ​

• A Just Adaptation and Resilience Investment Plan (JAR-IP) is being developed to seek international climate finance. ​

 

Addressing Adaptation Needs in South Africa

The country seeks international support for various adaptation initiatives to enhance resilience. ​

• Key needs include upgrading sanitation infrastructure in informal settlements, conservation agriculture, and sustainable rangeland management. ​

• Support is also sought for market access for aquaculture SMEs, water conservation strategies, and energy infrastructure upgrades.

• Health surveillance systems and transboundary water management functions are also priorities for adaptation.

 

Understanding Loss and Damage from Climate Change

South Africa recognizes the limits to adaptation and the need to address loss and damage due to climate impacts. ​

• Climate change is causing significant impacts across sectors, including water, agriculture, and health. ​

• The country has experienced negative effects on economic growth, particularly in low-skilled labor sectors.

• Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children, are disproportionately affected by climate-related health issues.

• Cultural and natural heritage sites are also at risk from climate hazards. ​

 

Institutional Framework for Loss and Damage

The Disaster Management Act provides a framework for addressing climate-related losses and damages.

• The National Disaster Management Centre coordinates efforts to assess and respond to climate-related extreme events. ​

• Enhanced data collection and monitoring systems are being established to inform loss and damage responses. ​

• The inventory of impacts and multi-hazard early warning systems will support ongoing improvements in addressing climate impacts. ​

 

Funding Requirements for Loss and Damage

South Africa is establishing a Climate Change Response Fund to support adaptation, loss, and damage initiatives. ​

• The country expects a fair share of international climate finance to address loss and damage. ​

• The Green Fund and the new Climate Change Response Fund will facilitate funding for climate action. ​

• Timely access to resources from the international Loss and Damage Fund is a priority. ​

 

Mitigation Targets and Contributions

South Africa has set ambitious mitigation targets for 2030 and 2035 as part of its NDC. ​

• The target for 2030 is to maintain annual GHG emissions between 350-420 Mt CO2-eq. ​

• For 2035, the target range is set between 320-380 Mt CO2-eq.

• The country aims to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, reflecting a just transition framework. ​

• The updated targets show a progression in ambition compared to previous NDCs. ​

 

Just Transition to Net Zero Emissions

South Africa is committed to a just transition towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050. ​

• The transition aims to ensure social inclusion and economic diversification while reducing emissions. ​

• Policies will focus on creating employment opportunities and addressing socio-economic implications of mitigation. ​

• The country emphasizes the importance of equity in the transition process, ensuring no one is left behind. ​

 

Support and Implementation Strategies

South Africa outlines its support requirements for implementing its NDC, focusing on international climate finance. ​

• The country aims to access USD 8 billion annually by 2030 to support climate actions.

• International cooperation through multilateral and bilateral channels is essential for mobilizing resources.

• A comprehensive financing strategy will be developed to identify costs and funding sources for NDC implementation. ​

 

Equity and Science in Climate Action

Equity and scientific principles underpin South Africa's approach to climate change. ​

• The country emphasizes fair access to sustainable development and the need for equitable climate finance.

• Vulnerable communities face the greatest challenges in adapting to climate impacts, necessitating just adaptation measures. ​

• South Africa expects its fair share of international climate finance to support adaptation and loss and damage efforts. ​

 

Monitoring and Reporting Progress

South Africa will enhance its monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress on adaptation and support received. ​

• Indicators will be developed for each national adaptation goal to facilitate transparent reporting. ​

• The National Disaster Management Centre will play a key role in reporting on loss and damage. ​

• Continuous improvement in M&E processes will involve diverse stakeholders to ensure effective climate action.

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Members of the public are invited to submit written comments by post, by hand, or by email, to MSteleki@dffe.gov.za or Mndiitwant@dffe.gov.za ​​​​​​​

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