The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is refining the Sectoral Emission Targets (SETs) by incorporating feedback from stakeholders and the public following the first round of consultations.

The SETs are a key component of South Africa’s broader climate change strategy, aligning sector-specific emissions reductions with economic growth and job creation, and were published for public comment in May 2024.

The revised SETs will be shared with Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George in March to start inter-Ministerial discussions.

These discussions will focus on aligning the SETs with national development goals, and ensuring that South Africa’s climate response supports the creation of jobs in emerging industries while promoting long-term economic growth and accelerating the implementation of existing sectoral policies.

“The feedback received through the public consultations has been invaluable, helping to ensure that the SETs are both effective in addressing climate change and conducive to sustainable economic development,” he says.

The inclusive approach ensures that the targets are not only ambitious but also achievable, providing a balanced pathway that supports both climate objectives and economic resilience.

“We are committed to ensuring the final SETs create clear, actionable goals that will foster green innovation, attract investment, and create job opportunities across key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture,” says George.

The SETs will provide a clear framework for sectors to reduce their emissions, which, in turn, will drive the transition to a low-carbon economy.

This transition is expected to create significant employment opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture, the department says.

The DFFE will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that the SETs contribute to building a resilient, low-carbon economy that drives sustainable growth and job creation for all South Africans, it reiterates.