The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) convened its 17th Ordinary Quarterly Meeting on Friday 7th March, to discuss the Commission’s work programme for the year 2025 /26, and to reflect on the current geo-political environment and its implications on global efforts to address the climate change crisis.
A call to strengthen multilateralism and global climate action
In assessing the current geopolitical environment, the PCC noted with regret, the withdrawal of the US Administration from the Paris Agreement, Board of the Loss and Damage Fund as agreed to by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at COP 27. The commission also expressed disappointment in the US exit from the International Partners Group (IPG) as well from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with South Africa resulting in the reduction of the current international JET pledges from $13,8bn to $12,8bn, amongst others.
“South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving a just and equitable energy transition and has made significant strides on this journey, and we call upon all other IPG partners to remain committed to supporting South Africa’s decarbonisation efforts.” – said Ms Dorah Modise, PCC Executive Director .
“As South Africa, we regard the UNFCCC and its mechanisms as central to tackling climate change and the only credible platform which brings together all countries at the highest level to discuss and collaborate on climate action and in keeping multilateralism alive. We remain behind our governments’ efforts in mobilising global and domestic action to address climate change and urge our development partners locally and globally to remain on course” added Modise.
Overhaul of disaster management response system
Having observed how the increasing frequency, intensity, and impact of climate-related disasters have exposed the vulnerabilities within our disaster management systems, The meeting received a review of the Climate-Related Disaster Management preparedness, response, and recovery systems in our country.
The commission acknowledged that while the Disaster Management Act (Act 57 of 2002, and the National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF) of 2005 provide a solid legislative foundation for disaster risk reduction (DRR), gaps in implementation—especially at the municipal level—persist. These gaps have resulted in disparities in disaster readiness and response, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities which highlights challenges, ranging from including limited early-warning systems, inadequate coordination across provincial and national levels, and a lack of resources for immediate response efforts.
Pursuant to its mandate, the commission adopted a set of recommendations on actionable interventions required to enhance the country’s disaster management systems. These recommendations provide a roadmap for modernising South Africa’s disaster management framework.
“Ultimately, the success of these recommendations depends on fostering inclusivity, empowering local capacity, and ensuring that policies and practices are aligned with our needs. By prioritising adaptability, equity, and community engagement, South Africa can build a system that not only safeguards its people and infrastructure but also fosters resilience and sustainable development in the face of mounting climate risks” said Dorah Modise, PCC Executive Director.
Actions to enhance support for communities a high priority in 2025
The meeting adopted the Commission’s 2025 /26 work programme, emphasising the need for climate policies and just transition efforts to remain priorities for the government of national unity and inclusive of social partners and communities’ views and concerns.
The session underscored the importance of effective stakeholder engagement, addressing the socioeconomic impacts of a just transition, deepening insights and knowledge into the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning, and effectively implementing a just energy transition across South Africa whilst we leverage South Africa’s position within the evolving global economy.
“This year we will prioritise actions to enhance support for communities to beneficiate from energy transitions, including innovative funding mechanisms and stakeholder engagement for just transition projects and prioritize climate resilience” said Dr Crispian Olver, PCC Deputy Chairperson.
“Our focus will be on building resilience in vulnerable urban areas impacted by climate change whilst ensuring that our mitigation efforts are integrated with economic development, and to this end we call on an investment drive to explore the establishment of climate-focused special economic zones’ – added Dr Olver.
Issued by the Presidential Climate Commission
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