Facing the Challenges of Climate Change

South Africa is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in Africa, with emissions primarily driven by a coal-dependent energy sector. The country faces a strategic dilemma in balancing poverty alleviation and energy security with international pressure to reduce emissions. To navigate this, South Africa engages in multilateral alliances such as the BASIC group and IBSA to promote 'climate equity' and 'climate justice', arguing that historical polluters should bear the primary burden of mitigation. While South Africa has pledged emission cuts under the Copenhagen Accord, the document notes a gap between its international rhetoric and domestic implementation of renewable energy policies. The report suggests that South Africa and other emerging economies can collaborate on technology transfer, climate modeling, and adaptation strategies to transition toward low-carbon economies without compromising development.

• South Africa is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Africa, accounting for 39 percent of the continent's emissions, largely due to its dependence on coal for energy and a large industrial base.
• The South African energy sector is heavily reliant on coal, which provides 72 percent of the total energy mix and over 90 percent of electricity as of 2008.
• South Africa faces a strategic conflict between its top priorities of job creation and poverty alleviation and the need to reduce emissions to avoid reputational risks and international border-tax adjustments on carbon-intensive exports.
• In international negotiations, South Africa advocates for 'climate equity' and 'climate justice', asserting that developed countries responsible for historical emissions should bear the most significant obligations.
• Under the Copenhagen Accord, South Africa pledged to reduce emissions by 34 percent below business as usual by 2020 and by 42 percent by 2025, provided it receives financial and technical assistance.
• There is a significant discrepancy between South Africa's international climate commitments and its domestic implementation, with a lack of national policy to accelerate low-emission energy technologies and insufficient implementation of existing renewable energy policies.

APA

Chevallier, R. (n.d.). Facing the Challenges of Climate Change. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/climate_change_going_global_kas_aiia_saiia_2011.pdf

Chicago

Chevallier, Romy. Facing the Challenges of Climate Change. South African Institute of International Affairs, n.d. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/climate_change_going_global_kas_aiia_saiia_2011.pdf.

Wikipedia

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BibTeX

@techreport{chevallierndfacing, author = {Chevallier, Romy}, title = {{Facing the Challenges of Climate Change}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/climate_change_going_global_kas_aiia_saiia_2011.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }