The Green Connection says South Africa’s draft Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is neither ambitious nor guided by science.
In addition, the draft plan may not sufficiently take into account the risks posed by gas expansion, which the organisation says, promotes expensive energy technologies.
With just five years left to review the 2030 targets, the organisation is calling for urgent and decisive action in government’s plans – to reduce emissions, protect vulnerable communities and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s climate response.
The Green Connection’s Lisa Makaula, said “climate change is not an abstract threat – it is already affecting people’s lives. From the floods in KwaZulu-Natal to droughts in the Eastern Cape, the impacts are real and immediate. This is why good, strong governance is essential if South Africa is to reduce climate risks and protect livelihoods. With just five years until the 2030 deadline – to cut carbon emissions and keep global temperatures from exceeding the 1.5-2°C threshold – we are of the opinion that South Africa’s draft NDCs not only underestimates the scale of the climate crisis, but it also misses opportunities to protect communities from the extreme weather that is already devastating lives. Without urgent and well-governed action, the situation may only worsen.”
The Green Connection has also advised the Department, to have a clear Integrated Energy Plan (IEP), to guide various sectors to decarbonise, otherwise, face high-emission pathways that may threaten marine biodiversity, small-scale fisheries, and food security.
Liz McDaid, Strategic Lead at the Green Connection, said “increased offshore oil and gas exploration may contradict the urgent need to accelerate a just energy transition. At a time like this, continued investment in coal, oil, and gas could lock the country into high-emission pathways. Expanding oil and gas operations may endanger livelihoods and could also increase the likelihood of environmental disasters that climate-vulnerable communities cannot afford.”
Picture: Ocean Impact