CLIMATE COMMISSION WELCOMES COP 29 OUTCOMES AND USHERS-IN NEW COMMISSION DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON

MEDIA STATEMENT

06 December 2024

CLIMATE COMMISSION WELCOMES COP 29 OUTCOMES AND USHERS-IN NEW COMMISSION DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON

Johannesburg - The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) convened its 16th Ordinary Quarterly Commission meeting on Friday 6th December to consider matters on its mandate and primarily focused its discussions on issues related to recent job losses in the coal mining sector, outcomes of the UNFCCC Conference of parties (COP29), the assumption of South Africa’s Presidency of the G20, and the operationalisation of the Climate Change Response Fund.

Climate Change Response Fund

As a direct response to and in recognition of the increasing vulnerability to climate risks, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of the Climate Change Response Fund during the February 2024 State of the Nation Address.

In advancing the President's call for the establishment of this fund, the PCC held engagements with key government stakeholders, and social partners to ensure alignment with national climate objectives and secure broad stakeholder engagement to foster support for the initiative.

The meeting received an update on the establishment of the Climate Change Response Fund and called for further investigation into the institutional modalities, the development of a catalytic project pipeline and a detailed plan for capitalisation and investment bids from domestic and international sources.

The establishment of the Fund complements the Just Transition Funding Mechanism (JTFM), the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), and together with the Loss and Damage mechanism and new Disaster Risk Financing arrangements form part of the evolving foundational pillars for a coherent climate financing framework and will be catalytic in the implementation of the Climate Change Act’s intention to support and finance the country’s climate change response.

The Commission committed to make final recommendations to government on the Fund ahead of the State of the Nation Address and the Mid-term Budget Policy Statement in 2025.

Outcomes of COP29

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr Deon George provided an update on South Africa’s participation at COP29 held in Baku, where parties adopted the Baku Climate Unity Pact which represents a significant diplomatic achievement that emerged from a complex and complicated negotiation landscape. The landmark agreement addresses critical aspects of the new collective quantified goal on climate finance, adaptation financing, article 6 and mitigation, providing a framework for collective action despite the numerous obstacles that could have prevented consensus.

“The $300 billion climate finance commitment up to 2035 is a pivotal moment that simultaneously represents both progress and persistent pressure on global climate funding. This commitment reveals the ongoing tension between developed and developing economy nations in addressing climate finance. While the figure marks a significant milestone, it does fall significantly short of the actual needs identified by the UNFCCC and developing economy countries,” said Minister George.

The meeting welcomed an urgency on adaptation finance in addressing loss and damage, bridging the gap between climate ambition and practical implementation and alignment of National Determined Contributions (NDCs) to a 1.5-degree target.

G20 Summit Report 2024 - Brazil

The PCC expressed its support and confidence South Africa’s presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) from 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2025 under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”. This is an exciting time for South Africa, as our country will be the first African nation to preside over and host the G20 Summit, set to take place in the City of Johannesburg in 2025, which we believe will be delivered successfully as with other major global events which our country has hosted in the past.

“South Africa’s G20 presidency provides a platform for our country to highlight the instrumental role of Africa and developing nations in tackling the globe’s socio-economic issues. South Africa will use this forum to highlight the interests of Africa and the developing world, as well as achieve lasting solutions to challenges faced by developing countries across the world” said Dr Crispian Olver, the incoming PCC Deputy Chairperson.

Job losses in the coal mining sector

The PCC received an update from the Minerals Council of South Africa on the announced plans by various mining houses to cut jobs at various mines in Mpumulanga due to ongoing unprofitability resulting from a combination of factors including decreased coal prices, disruptions in transport and rail logistics and general market instability.

The Commission reiterated the need to avoid the devastation resulting from coal mine closures and called for measures to ensure that investment and operational decisions are fair for workers and communities that heavily rely on the coal mines for the basic services, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities

Leadership transition in the Commission

The Commission bid farewell to the outgoing Deputy Chair Valli Moosa whose term ends this year and welcomed the newly appointed Deputy Chair, Dr Crispian Olver, who will assume responsibility from 1 January 2025.

The Commission extends its deepest gratitude for Mr Moosa’s tireless contributions throughout his tenure, noting that he has demonstrated unwavering commitment, integrity, and vision in spearheading the PCC from its formulation leading it to the current process of being formally established as a Schedule 3A statutory body as per the Climate Change Act.

The Department of Fisheries Forestry and the Environment is consulting on the various enabling regulations relating to various aspect of the Act, including the process of constituting the Commission and with the process to appoint a new Commission planned to commence in quarter three of 2025, ahead of the new Commissioners taking office from January 2026.

Issued by the Presidential Climate Commission

For all post-media interviews please contact: Blessing Manale, Head of Communications and Outreach blessing@climatecommission.org.za +27 73 036 5381.