Powering a just transition for people, planet and prosperity

EACH YEAR on April 22, the world pauses to mark Earth Day a moment to reflect on our collective relationship with the planet.

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For the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), every day is Earth Day.

Still, this global observance provides a vital opportunity to take stock, deepen reflection, and recommit to a world that is fair and just, a task of which we must undertake for posterity through a transition that must centre not only on people, but also on the health of the planet that sustains us and all of life.

As the PCC, our role is to provide an evidence-based platform to support South Africa’s shift to a low-emissions, climate-resilient, and more equal economy. We do this through robust research, broad and meaningful stakeholder engagement, and also independent oversight of national climate commitments. Our work is rooted in the belief that the climate crisis is not just an environmental challenge, but a fundamental development challenge, with far-reaching implications for jobs, livelihoods, health, and justice.

Charting the Path to Net Zero by 2050

South Africa’s commitment to net zero by 2050 will require bold shifts across the economy including a move from coal to renewables in electricity, cleaner fuels and mass transit in transport, and decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and mining. The agriculture sector must also cut methane emissions and improve land use through better stewardship.