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.

Accelerating renewables in line with the 1.5°C pathway would safeguard global GDP, inflation and jobs in the event of an oil and gas price shock.

Early planning, local economic diversification and participatory planning to empower communities are critical for a Just Transition, says the PCC.

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

Energy storage such as grid batteries and pumped hydro can address the electricity crisis and ease load-shedding, according to the new study.

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

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.

No wind turbines were connected to South Africa’s grid in 2022, inhibiting progress toward solving load-shedding and fossil fuel price volatility.

Wind and solar energy grew to a record 12 per cent of global electricity generation in 2022, according to a new report by Ember.

Spain is investing in South Africa’s green transition to develop renewable energy, electric vehicles and water projects.

A new climate justice documentary follows activists across Southern Africa fighting against the fossil fuel giants that threaten their communities.

Evidence shows an additional 5 GW of renewable capacity could all but end load shedding and its associated socio-economic damage.

To address the power and climate crises, massive investments in transmission infrastructure and renewables are needed over the coming years.