All posts: Policy


News & Analysis

South Africa now has a Climate Change Act, but is it too soon to celebrate? The Act will only come into effect on a date fixed by the President by proclamation in the Gazette.

News & Analysis

We’re creating more plastic than ever before and it’s worsening air, land and water pollution. The world threw away more than twice as much plastic in 2019 as in 2000, with less than 10% now being recycled while 19% is incinerated and about half goes to landfill, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and […]

News & Analysis Smog over Cape Town cityscape

South Africa’s heavy coal dependence is driving a climate and health crisis — tackling both together will reap huge benefits for people and the economy.

News & Analysis

“The era of global boiling has arrived”, said UN chief António Guterres, and leaders must take drastic and immediate action to limit climate catastrophe.

Explainer Aerial view of solar farm

No new coal and nuclear, very little gas, and the massive deployment of renewables for the least cost electricity, says the PCC.

News & Analysis Power transmission lines

The law to allow an Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) will come into operation in April 2024, raising questions on the further 12 months of delay.

News & Analysis Wildfire on mountain

Halving emissions this decade is crucial, yet relying on coal and gas will add fuel to the fire of climate change.

Explainer Floating icons of official national flags of the world

The Kyoto Protocol made history in 1997 as the first major international effort to slow climate change.

Explainer Electricity pylons at sunset

Energy is essential for the functioning of any modern economy. South Africa’s Central Energy Fund (CEF) does the vital job of maintaining that energy supply.

Explainer Photo of a gas turbine power plant

South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is the country’s long-term energy plan until 2030. It became official government policy in October 2019.

Explainer Ariel view of large scale solar power plant

The Independent Power Producers (IPP) procurement programme is part of the South African government’s answer to its energy generation shortage.

Explainer The tallest building in Africa, The Leonardo. Based in Sandton, South Africa

A carbon footprint is the number of greenhouse gases emitted through a person, business or even a country’s activities. These greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide and methane.

News & Analysis

The South African government’s commitment to fast-track water use licence applications is good news for independent power producers, a law firm says.