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PUBLIC HEARING: Climate Change Bill, Maluti Civic Centre, Matatiele, 21 April 2023

PUBLIC HEARING: Climate Change Bill, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, 22 April 2023

PUBLIC HEARING: Climate Change Bill, Mbombela Civic Hall (Ehlanzeni District Municipality) 5 Feb 2023

PUBLIC HEARING: Climate Change Bill, Pietermaritzburg City Hall, KZN, Saturday 4 March 2023

The National Assembly passed the Climate Change Bill earlier this week. This piece of legislation is seen as the first step to ensure South Africa has a legal instrument to build resistance against the impact of climate change. The bill also aims to ensure cooperation between the different spheres of government.

The National Assembly on Tuesday passed the Climate Change Bill. Among others, the Bill proposes to assign carbon budgets to companies in South Africa to ensure that the country reaches its nationally determined targets towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. As a signatory to the United Nations Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, the country is working towards legislation that will set up sectoral emission targets as its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy joins us virtually.

Debate in Parliament: Climate Change Bill

The impact of climate change has over the last couple of years devastated communities around the world. In South Africa, the Western Cape has felt this, with the regular floods and veldfires. Recently residents of informal settlements and vulnerable communities in Cape Town attended the final public hearing for comments on South Africa’s first Climate Change Bill. Researcher and organiser at Climate Justice Charter Movement Charles Simane speaks to Xoli Mngambi.