{"query_echo":{"q":"","filters":{"climate_tags":["climate change impacts"]},"warnings":[{"code":"facet_value_not_in_vocabulary","message":"Value 'climate change impacts' for facet 'climate_tags' is not in the controlled vocabulary."}]},"total":{"value":6,"relation":"eq"},"page":1,"page_size":20,"self":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/api/v1/search?climate_tags=climate+change+impacts","stability":"beta","ai_marking":{"digital_source_type":{"uri":"http://cv.iptc.org/newscodes/digitalsourcetype/trainedAlgorithmicMedia","name":"Created using Generative AI"},"notice":"Summary and key insights are generated using artificial intelligence."},"results":[{"id":"cer-000066","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000066","title":"CER’S COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, LISTING NOTICE 1, LISTING NOTICE 2 AND LISTING NOTICE 3 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS, 2014 FOR ACTIVITIES IDENTIFIED IN TERMS OF SECTION 24(2) AND 24D OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998, AS PUBLISHED IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NUMBER 43904 UNDER NOTICE NUMBER 1224 ON 13 NOVEMBER 2020","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":null,"source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/11-12-2020-CER-comments-on-the-proposed-amendments-to-EIA-regulations.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) provides detailed comments and proposed amendments to the proposed changes to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, and associated Listing Notices. The CER focuses on improving public participation, ensuring comprehensive financial provisioning for environmental rehabilitation, and opposing 'catch-all' listings for extractive industries.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000066#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The CER argues that the proposed amendments to Regulation 19 and 23 improperly limit financial provisioning to 'mining applications,' whereas the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) defines financial provision more broadly to cover the rehabilitation of adverse environmental impacts for all listed or specified activities.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000066#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER recommends extending the public participation period for basic assessments and environmental impact assessments from 30 days to 60 days to ensure adequate opportunity for comments on financial provisioning and closure plans.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000066#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER objects to the proposed 'catch-all' formulations in Listing Notices 1 and 2 (specifically activities 20, 21, 21A-21F, 17, 19, and 20A), arguing that these groupings allow extractive industries to avoid distinct assessments for activities that can have seriously degrading environmental impacts and contribute to climate change.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000066#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER recommends the deletion of Regulation 39(2)(b) because it allows applicants for environmental authorisation to bypass obtaining written consent from landowners for prospecting or exploration of mineral and petroleum resources, which the CER states conflicts with customary law and the Interim Protection of Informal Land Rights Act, 1996 (IPILRA).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000066#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER suggests that Regulation 41 should be amended to require that public participation processes include plain language summaries and facilitate access to independent expert advice for interested and affected parties.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000066#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["energy transition","extractive industries","environmental impact assessment","climate change impacts"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy analysis","regulatory comment"]},{"id":"cer-000088","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000088","title":"17-06-2021-cer-comments-on-the-draft-asm-policy-2021-f5fc80e02cd7b026.pdf","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":null,"source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/17-06-2021-CER-comments-on-the-draft-ASM-Policy-2021.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) provides comments on the draft Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Policy 2021, arguing that ASM operators should be held to the same environmental, water, and health and safety standards as large-scale miners to prevent poverty and inequality caused by environmental degradation.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000088#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The CER argues that all forms of mining, including ASM, must only be permitted after impacts on water, human health, and livelihoods have been properly assessed to ensure the 'polluter pays principle' is enforced, noting that failure to do so disproportionately affects the most vulnerable through loss of land and water contamination.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000088#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Regarding the demarcation of ASM areas, the CER suggests that the Minister's collaboration with departments responsible for Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and Water affairs should be a mandatory obligation ('must') rather than optional ('may'). They emphasize that feasibility studies and strategic environmental impact assessments (SEIAs) must account for cumulative and climate change impacts.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000088#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER expresses concern over the lack of clarity in the draft policy regarding environmental accountability in demarcated ASM areas, specifically questioning whether license holders will be held jointly and severally accountable for non-compliance and how cumulative impacts will be addressed.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000088#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER recommends that the transfer of mining permits be subject to public scrutiny and a public participation process to ensure new owners can meet environmental responsibilities and that transfers are not used to avoid environmental liability.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000088#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"On the issue of land access, the CER proposes that 'free, prior and informed consent' from landowners and lawful occupiers should be the benchmark for the policy, rather than just meaningful consultation, due to the potential for mining to permanently render land unfit for habitation or food production.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000088#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER suggests that the government's approach to illegal mining should expand beyond theft and criminal syndicates to include the criminalisation of non-compliance with environmental and water laws, supported by a dedicated detective and prosecutorial unit for environmental crimes.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000088#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The CER notes a gap in the policy regarding community benefits, suggesting that ASM activities should have a requirement similar to the Social and Labour Plan (SLP) required for large-scale miners to ensure mining-affected communities benefit from the activities.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000088#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["energy transition","environmental regulation","mining","climate change impacts"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy review","legal commentary"]},{"id":"cer-000504","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-000504","title":"Scanned Document","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":null,"source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/APPEAL-DECISION-CENTRE-FOR-ENVIRONMENTAL-RIGHTS-07-2022-185020.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A decision letter from the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism dismissing an appeal by the Centre for Environmental Rights against the environmental authorisation granted to the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SOC) Ltd.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000504#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism dismissed the appeal and confirmed the environmental authorisation granted to the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SOC) Ltd on 23 February 2022.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000504#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The current environmental authorisation primarily addresses impacts on the terrestrial environment; air quality and climate change impacts will be assessed when individual factories apply for their own environmental authorisations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000504#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The decision to grant the authorisation was based on a Heritage impact assessment that identified 30 sites of heritage significance and 19 graves within the project location.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000504#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The authorisation process included an integrated water services study and a water supply feasibility assessment conducted by the Department of Water and Sanitation, resulting in the selection of 'option 2'.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-000504#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["climate change impacts"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["administrative decision"]},{"id":"cer-001329","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-001329","title":"response-to-cer-020617-256573a766d68cda.pdf","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":null,"source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Response-to-CER-020617.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"A letter from the Independent Power Producer (IPP) Office responding to the Centre for Environmental Rights regarding the Coal Baseload IPP Procurement Programme and the Thabametsi Power Company.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001329#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The Department has extended the deadline for Commercial Close and Financial Close for both Preferred Bidders to 3 November 2017, based on Clause 6.1.6.3 of the RFP and considerations of Project Development Plans and Department readiness.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001329#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Preferred Bidders are required to possess all applicable permits, licenses, approvals, and consents, including Environmental Consent, by the time of Commercial and Financial Close; without these, the Project cannot achieve those milestones.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001329#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"In response to requests for comprehensive assessment of climate change impacts for coal baseload IPPs following the Thabametsi judgment, the IPP Office states that the Department of Environmental Affairs is the regulatory authority responsible for considering necessary factors when awarding Environmental Consents.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001329#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal","energy transition","environmental consent","climate change impacts"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["administrative response"]},{"id":"cer-001330","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/cer-001330","title":"response-to-cer-letter-15-sep-17-111017-370dbb5fc85ad0a3.pdf","publisher":{"name":"Centre for Environmental Rights","organization":"centre-for-environmental-rights"},"document_type":"statement","language":"en","date_published":null,"source_url":"https://cer.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Response-to-CER-letter-15-Sep-17-111017.pdf?x21779","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags"],"summary":{"text":"This document consists of correspondence from the Independent Power Producer (IPP) Office to the Centre for Environmental Rights regarding the Coal Baseload IPP Procurement Programme, specifically addressing preferred bidders for the Thabametsi, Khanyisa, and KiPower coal-fired power stations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001330#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The IPP Office indicated that preferred bidders under the first bid window of the Coal Baseload IPP Procurement Programme would likely receive extensions for Commercial Close and Financial Close. This follows a September 1, 2017, announcement by the Minister of Energy that all future programmes were on hold until the Integrated Energy Plan and the Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity were finalized.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001330#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The IPP Office stated that it cannot provide requested information regarding Bid Responses because such documents are confidential.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001330#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Under the Preferred Bidder Project Development Undertaking, preferred bidders are required to possess all necessary permits, licenses, approvals, and consents, including Environmental Consent, by the time of Commercial and Financial Close; otherwise, the project cannot achieve these milestones.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001330#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Regarding requests to assess climate change impacts for coal baseload IPPs, the IPP Office maintains that the Department of Environmental Affairs is the relevant regulatory authority responsible for considering necessary requirements when awarding Environmental Consents.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001330#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"In a letter dated June 2, 2017, the IPP Office confirmed that an extension for Commercial Close and Financial Close had been granted to both Preferred Bidders until November 3, 2017, based on Project Development Plans and Department readiness.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"cer-001330#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["coal-fired power station","energy transition","environmental consent","climate change impacts"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":[]},{"id":"natjust-000202","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/natjust-000202","title":"factsheet_saving-the-wild-coast-summary-cc1b4747392d8337.pdf","publisher":{"name":"Natural Justice","organization":"natural-justice"},"document_type":"fact sheet","language":"en","date_published":null,"source_url":"https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Factsheet_Saving-the-Wild-Coast-Summary.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"This factsheet details legal challenges brought against Shell Exploration and Production SA and the South African government to stop seismic surveys off the Wild Coast. It outlines two primary court cases: one unsuccessful urgent interdict by environmental and angling groups, and a successful interdict by local communities. The document summarizes the applicants' arguments regarding the lack of environmental authorization, inadequate consultation, and the failure to consider climate change and cultural rights, while explaining the potential legal precedents a victory would establish for future seismic testing in South Africa.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000202#summary","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Shell Exploration and Production SA planned seismic surveys covering approximately 6,011 square kilometres between Port St Johns and Morgan Bay, starting 1 December 2021, to evaluate oil and gas prospects.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000202#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The exploration right was originally granted to Impact Africa in May 2014 by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, but the company did not conduct an environmental impact assessment or obtain environmental authorisation under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000202#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"In the first court case (Border Deep Sea Angling Association and others), the Grahamstown High Court dismissed an urgent interdict on 3 December 2021. While the judge found prima facie prospects of success due to \"apparent inadequate public participation processes\", the application failed because the judge did not find a reasonable apprehension of \"irreparable harm\" and decided the \"balance of convenience\" favoured Shell.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000202#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"In the second court case (Sustaining the Wild Coast NPC and others), the Grahamstown High Court granted an interdict on 28 December 2021, ordering Shell to stop seismic surveys. Judge Gerald Bloem ruled there was a reasonable apprehension of irreparable harm to the applicants' constitutional rights, specifically their \"spiritual, heritage and cultural rights\".","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000202#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"Applicants argue that the Minister of Mineral Resources failed to consider several critical factors, including the cumulative impact of exploration activities, the climate change impacts of oil and gas exploitation, and the spiritual and cultural rights of coastal communities.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000202#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"The applicants allege a reasonable apprehension of bias regarding the Minister, citing his public comments promoting oil and gas exploration and a R15 million donation to the African National Congress from the Batho Batho Trust, a stakeholder in Shell's broad-based black economic empowerment partner, between October and December 2021.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000202#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-08-17"},{"text":"A successful outcome would seek to set aside the original 2014 grant and subsequent renewals of the exploration right, and establish a legal precedent that an Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) under the MPRDA is not equivalent to an environmental authorisation under NEMA.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"natjust-000202#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-08-17"}],"climate_tags":["energy transition","oil and gas exploration","seismic surveys","environmental impact assessment","climate change impacts"],"geography_discussed":["Port St Johns","Morgan Bay","Gqeberha"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["legal summary","case study"]}]}