Title: Climate Change Act, 22 of 2024 

Gazette reference: GN 5050 in GG 50966 on 23 July 2024 

Commencement date: to be fixed by the President by proclamation in the Government Gazette 

On 23 July 2024, the President assented to the Climate Change Act, 22 of 2024, which was published for general information.  

The aim of the Act is: 

• To enable the development of an effective climate change response and a long-term, just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society for South Africa in the context of sustainable development; and 

• To provide for matters connected therewith. 

The objects of the Act are to – 

• Provide for a coordinated and integrated response by the economy and society to climate change and its impacts in accordance with the principles of cooperative governance;  

• Provide for the effective management of inevitable climate change impacts by enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change, with a view to building social, economic and environmental resilience and an adequate national adaptation response in the context of the global climate change response; 

• Make a fair contribution to the global effort to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that avoids dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system; 

• To ensure a just transition towards a low carbon economy and society considering national circumstances; 

• Give effect to the Republic’s international commitments and obligations in relation to climate change; and 

• Protect and preserve the planet for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind.