The PCC 14th Ordinary Quarterly Meeting on Friday, 07 June at the Constitution Hill, Johannesburg

MEDIA STATEMENT – NO EMBARGO

07 June 2024

CLIMATE COMMISSION ADOPTS TWO FIRSTS OF ITS KIND SOUTH AFRICAN STATE OF CLIMATE ACTION AND, TRANSITION FINANCING MECHANISM REPORTS

Johannesburg - The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) held its 14^th Ordinary Quarterly Meeting on Friday, 07 June at the Constitution Hill Precinct in Johannesburg, and adopted two apex reports, the inaugural South African State of Climate Action Report (SASOCA) and the Just Transition Financing Mechanism Report (JTFM)

In deliberating over reports, the commission re-emphasized the need to tangibly respond to the glaring science and signs, as well as the daily experiences of many South Africans over a range of climate-related phenomena and increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts, floods, calling on all of us to respond to the climate crisis with a sense of urgency and redoubled effort.

“South Africa is now entering a new and more demanding phase of climate action, where the focus is not only on setting targets but on delivering tangible results. Strong government policies must drive a rapid, just response to climate change that recognizes, protects, and realizes human rights, with support from all stakeholders - businesses, civil society, labour unions, communities, and individuals”’ said Valli Moosa, the Commission’s Deputy Chairperson.

South African State of Climate Action Report

The maiden report which is the PCC's first assessment of climate action in South Africa presents a snapshot of the country’s progress towards the achievement of key indicators that support a development pathway to limiting warming to 1.5°C, enhancing climate resilience, and improving the lives and livelihoods of all South Africans.

“Our top line finding is that while South Africa has strong commitments towards tackling climate change and facilitating a just transition, incoherent policies, weak governance structures, and inconsistent actions by government and other stakeholders are hindering progress at the pace and scale required” states the report.

The report further goes beyond the findings and identifies immediate actions that must be effected to realise South Africa’s vision for a just transition and call for immediate implementation through mitigation and adaptation including investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, promoting sustainable land management, and supporting smallholder farmers, as amongst those actions necessary to minimize the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

Adoption of Just Transition Financing Mechanism Report

The Commission reached another milestone by adopting the Just Transition Financing Mechanism (JTFM) report, which presents a significant step forward in addressing the dual challenges of climate change and socio-economic inequality, the fractured, fragmented, and low levels of funding flowing to support implement climate action and just transition projects on the ground.

“The importance of the Just Transition Financing Mechanism (JTFM) cannot be overstated. The JTFM envisions a future where economic development is harmonized with environmental sustainability, and where the benefits of this transition are shared equitably across all sectors of society. This mechanism is pivotal in providing options and suggestions on the necessary financial support to communities and workers most vulnerable to climate change's impacts and the shift away from high-carbon industries” said the PCC Deputy Chairperson, Mr Valli Moosa.

The Commission on its recommendations committed to convening a private finance implementation task force, to socialize and advocate for just transition priorities, provide advice and support to private finance champions and institutions, and ensure that the financial sector is more responsive to financing needs on various just transition.

Eskom Decommissioning and Repurposing of Power Stations

The Commission received feedback from Eskom Chief Executive Officer, Dan Marokane, on the extension of the life of the power stations which were planned for decommissioning between now and 2027, and in consideration of the reality and the threat that remains about load-shedding and the need to balance the supply-demand. Eskom further addressed and reaffirmed the meeting from a financial and an emissions point of view that the expected low carbon reduction Eskom will be able to meet by 2030.

In deliberating on the report, the commission reaffirmed that South Africa remains committed to reducing its carbon emissions in line with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) undertakings by 2030, with international financial support for its Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) and the broader Just Transition Framework and other policy instruments and projects.

Furthermore, the commission welcomed the progress made thus far in repurposing the decommissioned Komati Power Station for renewable energy and congratulated Eskom on the lights being kept on, dramatically reducing load shedding.

Issued by the Presidential Climate Commission

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