South Africa: Parliament passes the Climate Change Bill
On 25 April 2024 the National Council of Provinces (“NCOP”) passed the Climate Change Bill. This marks an important step in finalising the Bill, which was first introduced to Parliament in 2022 and passed by the National Assembly in 2023. The Bill will now be sent to the President to be signed into law.
The Climate Change Bill is South Africa’s first piece of legislation that specifically addresses the effects and causes of climate change. It aligns South Africa’s position with ongoing global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt the economy to the impacts of climate change.
The NCOP adoption of the Bill followed a public engagement process, including a call for written comments and public hearings by the provincial legislatures, between November 2023 and January 2024. However, the NCOP passed the Bill without making any amendments.
The NCOP public participation mechanisms were preceded by extensive public consultation and hearings held by the National Assembly, which then resulted in various amendments before the Bill reached the NCOP. This, according to the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Land Reform, Environment and Mineral Resources & Energy, is why it was not necessary for the NCOP to introduce any further amendments.
- Download the Climate Change Bill as adopted, here.
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