Climate Change: Draft Second Nationally Determined Contribution Report Published for Comment

Posted 30 July 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Environmental Law

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has published South Africa’s draft second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for public comment, setting updated targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions.

In accordance with South Africa’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and the Climate Change Act, No. 22 of 2024, the DFFE has gazetted the draft report detailing the country’s second NDC. This document serves as the primary policy instrument for communicating South Africa’s climate actions to the international community. Stakeholders and interested parties have until 29 August 2025 to submit written inputs on the draft.

The draft report indicates a “progression beyond the first” NDC, reflecting the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The framework is designed to align with national circumstances while addressing the global necessity for climate change mitigation. Key focus areas within the draft include:

  • Enhanced implementation-related monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
  • The establishment of robust systems for tracking climate finance.
  • Refined mitigation targets that account for socio-economic development needs.
  • Alignment with the sectoral emission targets as contemplated in the Climate Change Act, No. 22 of 2024.

Implementation and Monitoring

The second NDC places a heightened emphasis on the practicalities of tracking progress. By focusing on climate finance tracking, the DFFE aims to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is adequately supported by both domestic and international funding mechanisms. This aligns with the broader regulatory shift toward mandatory environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and the integration of climate risks into financial disclosures.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Monitor the development of these targets to understand the long-term regulatory trajectory of carbon management and how it will influence professional standards in environmental auditing and compliance.
  • For your business: Review internal sustainability and carbon-reduction strategies to ensure they remain aligned with the tightening emission targets proposed in the draft NDC, particularly regarding future reporting obligations.
  • For your clients: Advise clients in carbon-intensive industries, such as energy, transport, and mining, to participate in the public comment process to ensure their operational realities are considered before the 29 August 2025 deadline.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/climate-change-draft-2nd-nationally-determined-contribution-report-out-for-comment

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