From left to right: Morgan Griffiths, Tina Costas, Cindy-Lee Cloete and Gail Samuels led the discussions on the new Climate Change Act during today’s corporate dialogue event.
In a time of escalating climate crisis, WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) – SA’s leading environmental organisation – hosted a high-level corporate dialogue at Coastlands SKYE Hotel in uMhlanga, Durban to unpack the critical implications of the Climate Change Act for corporate South Africa. This crucial discussion, led by Cindy-Lee Cloete, newly appointed CEO of WESSA, and Tina Costas, a director and environmental law expert from Norton Rose Fulbright, highlighted the urgent role that South African businesses play in the fight against climate change.
The Climate Change Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2024, is the country’s most comprehensive response to the global climate emergency. The legislation mandates corporate compliance through stringent carbon budgets, emission reduction targets, and mitigation plans. It is a law that signals the dawn of a new era where businesses must evolve or face the consequences—both financial and reputational.
Urgent call to action for South Africa’s business sector
During the dialogue, WESSA emphasised the importance of this legislation as a regulatory framework and an urgent call to action for South Africa’s business sector. Companies will now be required to submit mitigation plans, stay within assigned sectoral (carbon) emission targets (SETs), and adapt operations to meet climate change risks. These changes are imminent, and the Act gives businesses little room for complacency.
WESSA, with its extensive 98-year track record in environmental advocacy, conservation and education, is uniquely positioned to support corporate South Africa in navigating this new landscape. Cloete’s message was clear: the private sector can no longer delay its response to climate change. Businesses must urgently shift to more sustainable practices, and WESSA stands ready to guide them.
“The Act challenges businesses to rethink their environmental impact. Compliance is no longer an option – it’s a requirement. But it’s also an opportunity for companies to innovate, future-proof their operations, and contribute to a just transition that benefit both people and the planet,” said Cloete.
Comprehensive presentation of the Climate Change Act
Tina Costas, Director at Norton Rose Fulbright, provided a comprehensive presentation of the Climate Change Act; stressing that the law was designed to hold companies accountable for their greenhouse gas emissions and enforce sector-specific reduction targets. The message was unequivocal – those failing to comply face significant penalties and risk being left behind in a rapidly changing global marketplace where sustainability and resilience are prized.
The dialogue highlighted that, while the Climate Change Act has not become operational as yet, it opens opportunities for businesses to rethink their response strategies.
WESSA, through its impactful environmental programmes and training workshops, assessments, and expertise in environmental conservation and education, is ready to guide companies in attaining their environmental goals.
Cloete concluded the session by reinforcing WESSA’s commitment to a sustainable South Africa and calling on the business community to embrace the transformation that lies ahead: “The Climate Change Act is our nation’s answer to the climate change crisis and challenges, and WESSA is committed to providing expert guidance and solutions to businesses that are eager to respond and adapt to these changes effectively.”