South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is struggling to implement key parts of the newly enacted Climate Change Act due to significant financial constraints. Although the Act officially came into effect on 17 March 2025, some of its most important provisions are currently on hold.
What’s Being Delayed?
The Climate Change Act lays the foundation for transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. However, critical elements such as:
- Carbon budget enforcement for major polluters,
- Sector-specific emissions targets, and
- Provincial and municipal climate response strategies
…have all been postponed. These require detailed regulations, which are still being drafted and will eventually go through a public participation process.
The Cost of Climate Action
According to the Presidential Climate Commission, South Africa must boost its annual climate financing to R535 billion to meet its international climate commitments. Currently, the country only spends around R131 billion a year—mostly directed at clean energy efforts funded through debt.
The situation is compounded by the massive funding shortfall in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP). Though global partners have pledged R150 billion, the plan’s total cost stands at R1.5 trillion, leaving a gap of R660 billion that remains unfunded.
What’s at Stake?
Without sufficient financing and clear regulatory backing, South Africa risks falling short on its climate goals. This could hinder the country’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change such as drought, floods, and extreme heat.
In response, the DFFE is accelerating efforts to finalize the necessary regulations and seeking more domestic and international funding. These efforts are critical for ensuring the full rollout of the Climate Change Act and delivering a sustainable, equitable future.
Daily Maverick Article – 23 April 2025
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment – Climate Change Act Announcement: dffe.gov.za
GroundUp – Climate Financing Needs: GroundUp News
Polity – Just Energy Transition Funding Gap: Polity
