The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has called for a recommitment to global efforts on climate action at its seventeenth ordinary quarterly meeting on March 7.

The meeting was convened to discuss the PCC’s work programme for 2025/26, and to reflect on the current geopolitical environment and its implications on global efforts to address the climate change crisis.

In assessing the current geopolitical environment, the PCC noted the withdrawal of the US Administration from the Paris Agreement and the board of the Loss and Damage Fund as agreed to by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at COP 27.

The PCC also expressed disappointment in the US exit from the International Partners Group (IPG), as well from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with South Africa, resulting in the reduction of the current international JET pledges from $13.8-billion to $12.8-billion.

“South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving a just and equitable energy transition and has made significant strides on this journey, and we call upon all other IPG partners to remain committed to supporting South Africa’s decarbonisation efforts,” PCC executive director Dorah Modise said.

“As South Africa, we regard the UNFCCC and its mechanisms as central to tackling climate change and the only credible platform which brings together all countries at the highest level to discuss and collaborate on climate action and in keeping multilateralism alive.

“We remain behind our governments’ efforts in mobilising global and domestic action to address climate change and urge our development partners locally and globally to remain on course,” she added.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT RESPONSE

The PCC meeting also received a review of the climate-related disaster management preparedness, response and recovery systems in the country.

The commission acknowledged that, although the Disaster Management Act and the National Disaster Management Framework provided a solid legislative foundation for disaster risk reduction (DRR), gaps in implementation – especially at the municipal level – persisted.

These gaps have resulted in disparities in disaster readiness and response, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities which highlights challenges, ranging from including limited early-warning systems, inadequate coordination across provincial and national levels and a lack of resources for immediate response efforts.

In line with its mandate, the PCC adopted a set of recommendations on actionable interventions required to enhance the country’s disaster management systems. These recommendations provide a roadmap for modernising South Africa’s disaster management framework.

“Ultimately, the success of these recommendations depends on fostering inclusivity, empowering local capacity and ensuring that policies and practices are aligned with our needs.

“By prioritising adaptability, equity and community engagement, South Africa can build a system that not only safeguards its people and infrastructure but also fosters resilience and sustainable development in the face of mounting climate risks,” Modise said.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The meeting adopted the PCC’s 2025/26 work programme, emphasising the need for climate policies and just transition efforts to remain priorities of the Government of National Unity and to include social partners and communities’ views and concerns.

“This year we will prioritise actions to enhance support for communities to benefit from energy transitions, including innovative funding mechanisms and stakeholder engagement for just transition projects, and prioritise climate resilience,” PCC deputy chairperson Dr Crispian Olver said.

He added that the PCC’s focus would be on building resilience in vulnerable urban areas impacted by climate change, while ensuring that any mitigation efforts were integrated with economic development.

“To this end, we call on an investment drive to explore the establishment of climate-focused special economic zones,” Olver said.