South Africa's reliance on coal for electricity generation is hampering its climate goals due to significant emissions from coal combustion. Notably, sub-Saharan African countries possess immense potential for climate leadership, thanks to their abundant natural resources and renewable energy prospects, as reported by Attaqa, a Washington-based media platform.
However, the region's economic challenges and dependence on fossil fuels necessitate equitable inclusion in climate agreements. This insight comes from a report by Net Zero Tracker (NZT), independent research consortium, and SouthSouthNorth (SSN), a non-profit organisation that focuses on climate change and social development.
The report evaluates climate pledges in South Africa and examines how to integrate public and private sectors for a just energy transition while addressing climate change impacts. It highlights that South Africa stands at a critical juncture, with the electricity sector heavily reliant on coal, creating obstacles in balancing climate commitments with social and economic needs.
South Africa has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to between 398 and 510 million tons of CO2 equivalent by 2025, and then to between 350 and 420 million tons by 2030. However, the carbon neutrality target lacks transparency and does not cover all sectors and gases comprehensively. Achieving these targets largely depends on support from developed nations within the framework of equitable participation, according to Attaqa.
The report further explains that Gauteng, South Africa's economic hub, aims for carbon neutrality by 2050. However, its regional policies are weak and lack specific emissions targets. In Mpumalanga, there is no formal carbon neutrality target, with the province's climate strategy focusing on coal phase-out but lacking a structured long-term goal.
In Limpopo, there is a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, but climate policies do not clearly state the reduction targets. The North West, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces have not adopted formal climate emissions targets, and their just transition measures remain minimal. Given significant socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, these provinces must focus on building resilience and promoting just transitions, as highlighted in the report.
The report expresses concern over the Free State, which lacks a carbon neutrality target, reflecting broader deficiencies in its climate strategy. This is particularly troubling given the economic vulnerabilities in the province, such as high unemployment rates, and the absence of equitable transition measures. There is an urgent need for a systematic approach to address the social and economic impacts of climate change.
Among its recommendations, the research group advocates for government coordination of city, regional, and national climate strategies through formal intergovernmental committees. It also calls for using the Climate Change Act (2024) to provide oversight and coordination at the national level.
Additionally, the report suggests supporting less affluent regions through targeted financial and technical assistance, including capacity building and resource mobilization, as outlined in the Climate Change Act.
