South Africa's Climate Change Bill heads to president to be signed into law

CAPE TOWN, April 26 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the upper house of parliament, has passed the Climate Change Bill, which will now go to President Cyril Ramaphosa to be signed into law.

"The Climate Change Bill provides for the development of an effective climate change response and a long-term just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society for South Africa," said a statement issued by the South African parliament on Friday.

In the statement, the parliament noted that the NCOP Committee on Land Reform, Environment, Mineral Resources and Energy on Tuesday completed deliberations on the Climate Change Bill and agreed to the bill without amendments.

"Committee chairperson, Ms Tebogo Modise, said the committee's decision to agree to the Climate Change Bill without amendments reflects a thorough consideration and engagement with stakeholders throughout the legislative process," said the statement.

Adopted by the NCOP on Thursday and the National Assembly on Oct. 24, 2023, the bill "will now be sent to the President for assent," it added.

The Climate Change Bill is the first piece of legislation in South Africa that is specifically aimed at addressing the effects and impact of climate change.

The legislation mandates that national, provincial and local governments evaluate all potential climate risks and anticipated effects, and develop corresponding policies, plans and programs.

In addition to this, it specifies the duties of various governmental levels to ensure that each entity is required to contribute to climate change mitigation and collaborate efficiently.

Liz McDaid, the strategic lead for Green Connection, a South African non-profit organization that aims to address issues of social and ecological justice, told Xinhua that they welcome the passing of the bill.

"The passing of the climate bill is a long-awaited piece of legislation to get the government to address climate change and is sorely needed as the country is already suffering from climate change impacts of increased storms, and heat waves and other extreme weather events," McDaid said.