Latest news with #ClimateChangeAct
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Balancing ambition and action in South Africa's climate adaptation efforts
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George. Image: Dion George/Facebook On Friday, the 27th June, I intently followed the 2025/26 budget vote speech by Minister Dion George of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), hoping to hear a decisive shift in how South Africa intends to confront its growing climate crisis, more critically, through climate adaptation to the irreversible impacts already upon us. The speech presented a vision of environmental stewardship, economic inclusion, and climate resilience. While the speech outlined commendable priorities such as biodiversity conservation, green job creation, and regulatory reforms, it sadly fell short in explicitly prioritising and funding climate adaptation measures with the urgency South Africa's vulnerabilities demand. While the DFFE's commitments to mitigation and biodiversity are laudable, adaptation remains underfunded and overshadowed, a critical gap in a country where climate impacts are already destabilising livelihoods. Just weeks ago, devastating floods ripped through parts of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, tragically claiming a reported 102 lives at last count and displacing countless families some who had built informal homes on floodplains and below flood lines. These are not isolated incidents as floods are firmly becoming the biggest and most frequent climate threat to South Africa. These events are flashing red warning lights, signalingthat adaptation must be elevated to a national priority with the budget to match. Great: A Progressive Environmental Agenda In his speech, the Minister rightly emphasised several key priorities including the enforcement of the Climate Change Act, the revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Sectoral Emission Targets that demonstrate a structured approach to reducing carbon footprints. The Highveld Air Quality Management Plan is also a necessary step toward holding polluters accountable. Regarding Biodiversity as an Economic Driver, the KISS (Kruger, Kirstenbosch, iSimangaliso) strategy and Biodiversity Economy Strategy, which aims to create 397 000 jobs and inject R127 billion annually by 2036 is a visionary linkage of conservation and economic growth. He also adds the FILLER (Fair Industry for Lions, Leopards, and Rhinos) and Fishing for Freedom, which highlights ethical wildlife management and support for small-scale fishers, crucial for both ecological and social justice. Relating to regulatory and Financial Innovation, the RESET (Regulatory Efficiency Strategy) promises streamlined environmental governance, while the push for carboncredit monetisation could unlock new funding avenues. These initiatives reflect a department attempting to balance ecological protection with developmental needs. However, the speech's silence on concrete adaptation financing undermines its otherwise progressive stance. Not so Great: Where Adaptation was Sidelined The Minister acknowledged budget constraints, a real-term decrease of 1.4% in allocation, yet insisted the DFFE would "do more with less'. However, while cost-saving measures are prudent, adaptation cannot thrive on austerity, it must be prioritised. What is clear is that there is no dedicated adaptation budget line. For instance, the speech mentioned a Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan for coastal regions, but without specific allocations or timelines. There also appears to be an over-reliance on international finance which we should do less of given the current geo-political uncertainties. The Green Climate Fund's $40 million (R717m) for South African National Biodiversity Institute is welcome, but domestic funding for localised adaptation remains Minister praised South African Weather Service for 1 400 severe weather alerts, yet many vulnerable communities still lack actionable response plans. The speech missed an opportunity to allocate funds for local disaster preparedness (e.g., community training, evacuation routes) and the opportunities to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific early-warning systems. The elephant in the room and the unavoidable question then is: If climate change is "here and now" as the Minister says, why is adaptation not a standalone budget priority? If the DFFE is committed to matching its rhetoric with tangible adaptation progress, it must consider elevating adaptation action to a priority stand-alone action, dedicating funding for adaptation, and providing it with the requisite institutional support for success in future budgets. It's too elusive and the light mention gives cool comfort. As a country, we are already paying the price of climate inaction in lives lost, livelihoods destroyed, and un-budgeted resources diverted to emergency response. Adaptation investments are cost-effective and lifesaving, especially when planned and made proactively. Every rand spent on resilient infrastructure saves many more in post-disaster reconstruction. Minister George's speech outlined a bold environmental agenda, particularly inmitigation and biodiversity. However, the lack of detailed, funded adaptation measures risks leaving South Africa's most vulnerable populations exposed to escalating climate shocks. The DFFE must recognize that to achieve a truly resilient South Africa, it requires ambition, budget, and urgency for adaptation in equal measure. This is so worrying that often when I think about adaptation and resilience action it makes me feel like we're playing a game of 'masicashelane' (hide & seek), only now the count is 10 000. Minister let's bring it back to an achievable count to a 10 please... so we can find this missing priority sooner. The Presidential Climate Commission has consistently emphasised through its work on the just transition, adaptation is not only a technical imperative but a moral one, which is central to safeguarding livelihoods, foodsystems, and public infrastructure in the face of escalating climate threats. Initiatives like the Just Adaptation and Resilience Investment Plan demonstrate that a just, inclusive,and locally grounded adaptation pathway is possible. What's needed now is political will and budget. Morwesi Ramonyai Thonga is a Senior Advisor to the Presidential Climate Commission on Adaptation Finance. Image: Supplied Morwesi Ramonyai Thonga is a Senior Advisor to the Presidential Climate Commission on Adaptation Finance. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
Daily Maverick
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Nelson Mandela Day, critical climate discussions and more events this week in civil society
This week, join a range of events focused on climate justice, anti-corruption, children's rights, and youth empowerment, ending with the annual Nelson Mandela Day Walk and Run on 19 July. On Tuesday, 15 July, at 10am, the Institute for Economic Justice will host a webinar on how South Africa's new Climate Change Act can advance a just transition in the food system. During the webinar, experts will break down key provisions of the act, spotlight advocacy opportunities, and explore how civil society can play a leading role in ensuring climate justice includes food justice. Register for the webinar here. On Wednesday, 16 July, at 10am, the Institute for Security Studies will host a seminar on the Special Investigating Unit's achievements and challenges, and how to secure its future success. 'The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is reputed to be South Africa's most effective anti-corruption agency. New research by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) undertaken in cooperation with the SIU examined the factors associated with its success and the challenges the unit faces in combating corruption. This seminar will discuss key research findings and recommendations for the SIU's future,' the ISS said. Panellists include: On Thursday, 17 July at 1pm, the Dullah Omar Institute's Children's Rights Project will host the first instalment of a webinar series exploring children's rights. The webinar, Children's Rights and Business in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities, aims to build and sustain a focused Africa-wide discourse on the subject. 'The business sector has significant implications for the realisation of children's rights in Africa, both negative and positive. While businesses contribute to beneficial societal outcomes and economic growth in ways that support the realisation of the rights of children, their operations, products and policies can also adversely impact children's rights,' the institute said. Panellists include: Opal Sibanda Chairman Okoloise Nimrod Muhumuza Register for the webinar here. Friday, 18 July is International Nelson Mandela Day, where people, communities and organisations around the world will reflect on Mandela's values to make a positive impact on their communities. Here are the events that will take place in celebration of Nelson Mandela Day: Licebo Harvest will spend the day teaching young people about agriculture and community building on the organisation's farm. The youth will learn how to plant and harvest crops, understand farm management techniques, and get hands-on experience in a real farm setting. To attend, RSVP to Vuyo at 060 469 8725. Maruma Bantfu is running an essay-writing contest to commemorate Mabiba's legacy of social justice, change and unity. Grade 8-12 learners are encouraged to submit 300-500-word essays on the following question: How to create non-violent, harmless and safe communities for children? The winning entry will be announced and celebrated on 18 July 2025. Entries close on 16 July. Learners can submit their essays here. On Friday, 18 July at 12.30pm, Life After Coal will host a webinar on the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The webinar will unpack what the NDC is and how civil society can engage with South Africa's next big climate commitment. Register here. On Saturday, 19 July, the Nelson Mandela Foundation will host the highly anticipated Nelson Mandela Day Walk and Run at Wanderers Stadium. The annual event is dedicated to promoting community service and inspiring positive change within our communities. Venue: DP World Wanderers Stadium, Corlett Drive, Illovo, Sandton, Johannesburg.
GMA Network
14-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Legarda urges climate-vulnerable nations to protect culture, heritage
Senator Loren Legarda has called on climate-vulnerable countries to rethink outdated policies and adopt a more holistic and inclusive approach to climate action — one that protects not just lives and livelihoods, but also cultural identity, history, and heritage. Speaking at the Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20 Finance Ministers (CVF-V20) meeting on Monday, Legarda said climate change poses a multidimensional threat, especially for nations that are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. "Climate change endangers all that you see and so much more: climate change imperils not only lives and livelihoods; it threatens to erase who we are," she said. The four-term senator and longtime climate advocate stressed that risk assessments must expand beyond economics and infrastructure to include cultural well-being — from ancestral homes and sacred sites to time-honored traditions. "It is this understanding that demands we broaden our definition of risk to fully encompass the cultural well-being of our people," she added. According to Legarda, extreme heat could cost the Philippines as much as ?466 billion annually by 2030. But more than the monetary loss, she warned of the intangible costs of losing cultural heritage, forced displacement from ancestral domains, and the gradual erosion of social cohesion rooted in shared traditions. She emphasized that preserving cultural memory and indigenous knowledge must be seen as central to climate resilience. "As legislators, we are more than mere policymakers; we are the stewards of our nation's future," the lawmaker said. "We must ensure that our laws reflect an unwavering commitment to both climate action and cultural preservation." The CVF-V20 is a coalition of 74 climate-vulnerable countries, including Bangladesh, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Barbados, and the Philippines. Together, they are developing Climate Prosperity Plans (CPPs) — ambitious national investment strategies designed to harness renewable energy, nature-based solutions, and financial innovation to foster inclusive development and climate resilience. The Philippines, which holds a founding role in the V20 group, has crafted its own Climate Prosperity Investment Memorandum, aligning climate goals with economic growth, clean energy transition, and local adaptation efforts. Legarda, principal author of the landmark Climate Change Act and champion of the People's Survival Fund, urged fellow lawmakers to prioritize the implementation of the country's Climate Prosperity Plan. "Let our collective efforts safeguard our precious cultural treasures, empower our resilient communities, and build a sustainable future for all Filipinos," she said. — Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News
Bangkok Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Saha Group Launches Floating Solar Project with Ratch
Bangkok, July 9, 2025 – Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (SPI) is advancing its commitment to sustainable industrial development through a partnership with Ratch Pathana Energy Public Company Limited (SCG), signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop clean energy projects across all Saha Group Industrial Parks. The first initiative under this partnership is a floating solar project installed on a reservoir adjacent to the runway at Saha Group Industrial Park – Lamphun, designed to supply electricity to industrial customers and support Thailand's renewable energy goals. The MoU and Private Power Purchase Agreement (Private PPA) signing ceremonies were held at the SILK 1 meeting room, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangna. This milestone reflects the Saha Group's proactive vision in embracing clean energy amid evolving global environmental regulations such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Thailand's forthcoming Climate Change Act. The adoption of renewable energy is seen as a strategic lever for enhancing Thailand's industrial competitiveness while supporting national goals set forth in the Power Development Plan (PDP) and Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP), which aim for renewables to comprise over 30% of the energy mix by 2037. The Lamphun initiative builds on the success of a pilot floating solar project at the Saha Group Industrial Park – Sriracha, launched in 2021. Mr Sontaya Tabkhan, President of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding PCL, stated: 'This project underlines our strong commitment to integrating clean energy systems into the industrial sector through collaboration with a capable partner like RATCH Group. Together, we aim to develop a sustainable model that advances Thailand's industrial sector with a balanced focus on economic, social, and environmental factors. In an era where renewable energy is a key pillar of future growth, this initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also boosts customer and investor confidence, particularly among those focused on ESG and Net Zero commitments.' Mr Klahan Suksawai, Managing Director of Ratch Pathana Energy PCL, added: 'The Floating Solar Project has an installed capacity of 4.12 megawatts and is being developed by Sahacogen Green Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Ratch Pathana Energy under the RATCH Group. Electricity generated will be supplied to AGC Micro Glass (Thailand) Co., Ltd., with commercial operations scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026. This marks a significant step in expanding our renewable energy footprint in collaboration with Saha Group, demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainable, cost-effective, and globally competitive industrial development.'
ITV News
03-07-2025
- Business
- ITV News
A5 road contractors 'instructed to vacate land' vested for upgrade
UTV understands farmers whose land was vested for the construction of A5 road has been given back to them. It follows a High Court ruling that the £1.2bn project does not comply with Stormont's 2022 Climate Change Act. UTV has seen a letter sent to those affected. The letter said: "The effect of the judgement is that, as of 27th June 2025, the ownership of vested lands has now reverted to you and all other affected landowners. "Therefore, the Department has instructed its contractors to vacate the land." Work had already started along the the first phase of the new route from Ballygawley to Strabane. The Infrastructure Minister defended the decision to carry on with clearing the land ahead of the court decision. On 23rd June, a High Court Judge ruled the plan to build the A5 Western Transport Corridor could not go ahead in its current form because it does not comply with climate change targets. Earlier this week, Liz Kimmins said she would be "pursuing" an appeal to the ruling which will require Executive approval. The letter said the Department will now seek to agree "reasonable costs" for reinstatement of the vested lands and compensation for the use and occupation of the land from the 25th November 2024. A meeting will be held with agents and the Ulster Farmers Union on Friday.
