SOUTH AFRICA’S CLIMATE CHANGE BILL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Ecology)

Context: South Africa has enacted a law mandating emissions curbs for large fossil-fuel industries and requiring climate-adaptation plans from towns and villages.

South Africa’s Climate Change Bill

• Approval: The Climate Change Bill was approved by South Africa’s National Assembly in November.
• Energy Dependence: South Africa primarily uses coal for electricity and is among the top 15 GHG emitters globally.
• Emission Statistics: In 2017, net emissions were 512 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, marking a 14% increase from 2000.
• 2022 Emissions: By 2022, emissions had decreased to 405 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, a 3% reduction from 2021.
• Uncertainty and Factors

o Data Comparison: It’s uncertain if the 2022 decrease is directly comparable or linked to the temporary drop in emissions due to COVID-19.

o Energy Sector Contribution: The energy sector contributes approximately 80% of gross emissions, with energy industries responsible for about 60% and transport for roughly 12%.

o Agriculture and Tourism: South Africa's economy heavily relies on agriculture and tourism, facing increasing Western pressure to move away from fossil fuels.

India's Legislative Landscape on Climate Change

• Absence of Comprehensive Legislation: India lacks a unified, comprehensive law specifically dedicated to climate change.
• Proposed Council on Climate Change Bill: In 2022, Priyanka Chaturvedi introduced the Council on Climate Change Bill, which aimed to establish a Council chaired by the Prime Minister to advise on climate-related issues, but progress has been slow.
• Existing Relevant Acts: Climate change considerations are embedded within various existing laws, including the Environmental Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, Energy Conservation Act, and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.