South Africans have expressed relief and excitement at the recently signed Climate Change Act No.2 of 2024.
On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Climate Change Bill, which sets out a national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions.
This will allow policies to influence South Africa’s climate change response, to ensure that South Africa transitions to a low carbon and climate resilient economy.
In a statement, the Presidency said the law sets out to enhance South Africa’s ability and capacity over time, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting opportunities for new job opportunities in the emerging green economy.
South Africa is one of more than 190 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change who are parties to the eight-year-old Paris Agreement.
Social media commends the newly signed law
WWFSA said “President Ramaphosa has finally signed the Climate Change Act into law. Well done to the lawmakers on completing this long process. It is the scaffolding upon which the nation’s approach to climate action will be built going forward. “
Climate Reality said the new law is a win for the climate.
The Democratic Alliance said it welcomes the signing into law of the long-anticipates Climate Change Act by the President. The recent floods have also shown the dangers posed by unprecedented weather events…
SAFCEI (Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute) said the law is a step forward in SA’s commitment to tackling climate change. This legislation outlines our national strategy for addressing climate challenges through mitigation and adaptation measures, aligning with our global responsibilities.