Search Climate Insights Directory

This fact sheet from the Centre for Environmental Rights explains the purpose and importance of the Climate Change Bill introduced in South Africa in October 2022. It outlines how the Bill aims to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, manage climate-related risks, and establish legal accountability across different levels of government to protect constitutional rights and support a low-carbon economy.

A fact sheet based on University of Cape Town research finds that adding 1.5 GW of new coal power to South Africa's electricity system would increase costs, raise electricity prices by 0.5%, and lead to GDP and job losses by 2030. The document asserts that a least-cost plan would exclude new coal and that proceeding with coal would increase the cost of meeting 2030 climate targets by R74 to R109 billion.

Eskom responded to a PAIA request from the Centre for Environmental Rights by granting access to the 2015/2016 annual emission reports for 16 of its coal power stations, as required by the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004.

A joint submission by seven South African civil society organisations providing detailed critiques and proposed amendments to the 2019 draft regulations on financial provisioning for mining and exploration. The organisations advocate for increased public participation, a shift from annual to triennial financial reviews, stronger ring-fencing of funds during liquidation to prevent environmental degradation, and more precise legal definitions to ensure the 'polluter pays' principle is upheld.

A letter from the Minister of Environmental Affairs of South Africa to the Centre for Environmental Rights regarding a request to review and strengthen the National Dust Control Regulations.

This 2019 South African government guide establishes generic Environmental Management Programmes (EMPrs) for the development of electricity substations and overhead transmission and distribution infrastructure. It provides a legally binding framework for mitigating environmental impacts, defining roles for project managers and environmental officers, and prescribing specific actions for waste management, vegetation clearing, and site rehabilitation.

A 2015 notice from the South African Department of Water and Sanitation declaring the exploration and production of onshore hydrocarbons requiring stimulation, such as hydraulic fracturing, as a controlled activity under the National Water Act, 1998.

This briefing from Eskom to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) provides additional information regarding an application to postpone compliance with Minimum Emission Standards (MES) for the Grootvlei Power Station. The document addresses DEA requests for time series plots of air quality monitoring and data regarding PM2.5 health and environmental impacts.

The Grootvlei Power Station's 2015/16 Annual Emissions Report details the total atmospheric emissions for the financial year from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016, highlighting particulate matter challenges and the implementation of retrofit projects to reduce emissions.

The South African Department of Environmental Affairs granted Eskom postponements for compliance with minimum emission standards for particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides at the Grootvlei Power Station. The decision includes a phased reduction for PM until 2020 and extended limits for SO2 and NOx until 2025, coinciding with the station's scheduled decommissioning between 2025 and 2028. Eskom must also provide a PM pollution offset plan by March 2016.

The Grootvlei Power Station Annual Emissions Report for the 2016/17 financial year, submitted by Eskom to the Chief Air Quality Licensing Officer, details the station's pollutant emissions, the progress of a particulate matter reduction project, and compliance with atmospheric licenses.

This responding statement, submitted by groundWork, argues against an appeal by Karpowership SA (PTY) Ltd regarding the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's (DFFE) June 23, 2021, decision to refuse Environmental Authorisation (EA) for a gas-to-power project at the Port of Ngqura. groundWork contends that the project is neither necessary nor desirable, citing significant environmental risks, inadequate public participation, and the existence of more sustainable energy alternatives.

This responding statement, submitted by groundWork to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), argues for the dismissal of Karpowership SA (PTY) Ltd’s appeal against the refusal of an Environmental Authorisation (EA) for a gas-to-power project in Richards Bay. groundWork contends that the project is neither necessary nor desirable, citing significant environmental risks, inadequate public participation, and the existence of more cost-effective, renewable energy alternatives.

This document is a formal objection submitted by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) regarding the proposed use of Karpowerships in Saldanha Bay. The CER argues that the project is inconsistent with South Africa's climate commitments, lacks transparency, and fails to consider cheaper, cleaner energy alternatives.

These regulations under the South African Hazardous Substances Act 15 of 1973 establish a strict licensing and monitoring system for Group I hazardous substances. They mandate that only qualified entities (such as manufacturers, importers, and pharmacists) hold licenses, which must be renewed annually. The rules require rigorous record-keeping in a dedicated 'hazardous substances book' for three years, specific labelling including a skull and crossbones symbol, and strict storage requirements to keep chemicals separate from food. It also prohibits sales to minors under 16 without a written order and forbids the reuse of hazardous substance containers for food or cosmetics.

This practice note outlines the legal proceedings in the High Court of South Africa (Gauteng Division, Pretoria) regarding Case No. 51765/2017. The City of Cape Town is seeking a declaratory order stating that a section 34 determination under the Electricity Regulation Act is not necessary to establish a new power plant for the city. The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) is applying to be admitted as amicus curiae to address issues concerning the transition to renewable energy and the environmental impacts of coal-fired power stations.

This document is an Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) issued by the Nkangala District Municipality to Eskom Holdings SOC Limited for the Hendrina Power Station. The licence, varied on 31 March 2016, sets out the legal conditions, emission limits, and monitoring requirements for the station's operations under the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004.

This document is a variation of an Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) issued by the Nkangala District Municipality to Eskom Holdings SOC Limited for the Hendrina Power Station. The licence, valid until 31 March 2019, regulates emissions from listed activities including solid fuel combustion, storage of liquid petroleum products, and handling of coal.

The Hendrina Power Station's annual emissions report for the 2015/2016 financial year records total emissions of 9,782,189 tons of CO2, 89,088 tons of SO2, 36,653 tons of NOx, and 165 tons of N2O. The report notes the installation of new continuous emission monitoring system equipment in June 2015 and identifies CO2 and N2O as the measured greenhouse gases.

This 2019 Phase 1 Initial Impact Assessment, produced by the Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) for the South African Presidency's Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS), evaluates the need for regulations to enforce Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) in three priority areas. The document identifies a failure to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) due to ineffective AQMP implementation and a lack of accountability for non-industrial stakeholders.