Greenhouse Gas Draft Inventory Report Published for Comment

Posted 29 May 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Environmental Law

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has published the draft National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory Report for public comment.

In terms of South Africa’s commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the draft report covers national greenhouse gas emissions trends from 1990 to 2024. Once finalised, the document will form part of South Africa’s second biennial transparency report to the UNFCCC. Interested parties have until 28 June 2026 to submit written representations and comments.

According to the executive summary of the draft report, the national emissions profile (excluding the impact of land use, land-use change, and forestry — LULUCF) is dominated by the following sectors:

  • Energy sector: 78.6% of total national emissions
  • Agriculture: 11.0% of total national emissions
  • Industrial processes and product use (IPPU): 6.4% of total national emissions
  • Waste sector: 4.0% of total national emissions

Between 1990 and 2024, total emissions trends (excluding LULUCF) point to a pattern of initial growth, followed by stabilisation, and a gradual decline in more recent years.

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

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; professional awareness of shifting sectoral emissions baselines is advised for environmental law and compliance practitioners.
  • For your business: Ensure that corporate sustainability reporting, carbon tax modeling, and environmental compliance frameworks align with the updated sectoral emission allocations and national inventory methodologies.
  • For your clients: Advise clients in high-emission sectors (particularly energy, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing) to review the draft inventory data to assess potential future impacts on carbon tax liabilities and carbon budget allocations.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/greenhouse-gas-draft-inventory-report-out-for-comment

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Acts Online. Acts Online accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the article, nor does the information contained herein constitute advice, legal or otherwise.