Sustainable Energy and Climate Action in South African Cities: Legal and Practical Synergies Between Energy and Climate Frameworks

Abstract Book of the 6th World Conference on Climate Change and Global Warming

Year: 2025

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Sustainable Energy and Climate Action in South African Cities: Legal and Practical Synergies Between Energy and Climate Frameworks

Fredua Agyemang

ABSTRACT:

Globally, the energy sector is the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 73.2%. In South Africa, this figure is even higher at 79.1%, with over 80% of electricity generated from coal. Cities play a central role in climate change mitigation and a just energy transition, as urban areas—home to over half the global population and projected to exceed two-thirds by 2030—consume 78% of global energy and produce over 60% of emissions. South African cities, such as Johannesburg, recorded consumption-based emissions of 9.50 tonnes per capita in 2015, the highest in Africa. Meeting the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit warming to well below 2°C—ideally 1.5°C—requires urgent, coordinated action across all levels of governance. Yet progress is inadequate: without stronger interventions, global temperatures could rise over 3°C by 2100, and existing policies may reduce emissions by less than 1% by 2030–2035. Integrating climate mitigation into energy policy is therefore critical. However, these efforts often operate in silos, weakening policy coherence and effectiveness. The National Energy Act (2008) and Climate Change Act (2024) shape South Africa’s energy and climate policy. This paper, using doctrinal and qualitative methods, explores their interaction across five themes: energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon pricing, just transition, and governance. Findings reveal weak coordination, hindering impact. Enhanced legislative integration—through clearer mandates, harmonised reporting, and improved governance—is recommended, particularly for urban implementation. Strengthening synergy between these laws is essential for achieving a just, inclusive, and low-carbon energy transition in South African cities.

Keywords: Cities, Climate Change, Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Legislation