A REVIEW TO ILLUMINATE UNCERTAINTIES ASSOCIATED WITH CARBON BUDGETS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The effects of climate change threaten Earth’s sustainability, and South Africa has committed to limiting its contribution to the total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. South Africa introduced its Climate Change Bill to move the country towards a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy and society. Under the Climate Change Bill, carbon budgets are introduced as an emissions mitigation measure that limits the total emissions a facility can emit within a five-year period. Upon the promulgation of the Climate Change Bill, carbon budgets will become mandatory, and penalties will be imposed on companies exceeding their carbon budget. Current legislation provides little guidance on carbon budgeting and reporting in South Africa. This paper reviews the legislation or policies related to the carbon budgets of various countries to illuminate the uncertainties in the implementation of South African carbon budgets. This would then provide guidance on how to improve carbon reporting and planning and risk mitigations.