“Raise the Game for Climate Action” Campaign

“The climate action narrative in South Africa and across the entirety of Africa, must urgently graduate from projecting liability to projecting opportunities,” urged Richard Munang, the Africa Regional Climate Change Coordinator at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). For example, he added, “While increasing energy costs are a cause of concern for many, combination of water harvesting and rooftop solar, has been shown to save 30 - 40% in energy costs, and 20 - 30% in water operational costs every year.” There is widespread understanding that South Africa’s climate goals are not strong enough and will not easily stir the country towards a sustainable and just transition. According to climate change experts and advocates, the pace towards more ambitious commitments needs to be rapidly accelerated. However, the economy is heavily carbon-intensive with the coal industry providing thousands of jobs and powering the economy. This is a concern for unions, businesses, civil society, the Government and local communities and therefore the need for a just transition.

The campaign will focus on different geographies across South Africa facing the biggest threats from climate change and bring individuals, civil society, and SMEs that are already working towards a sustainable economy to the centre of the discussion with local and provincial governments to showcase how the transition is already happening and elevate the calls for ambitious climate goals. We will amplify their voices, share their stories and get communities to lead in defining South Africa’s climate story.