- South Africa’s Minister of the department, Dr. Dion George has published South Africa’s draft First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) which provides critical insights into the country’s progress in implementing and achieving its National Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement for public comments.
- There are worrying degrees of uncertaintity due to a lack of available data.
South Africa, as a Party to the Paris Agreement, and in line with the Modalities, Procedures and Guidelines of Enhanced Transparency Framework, is required to submit Biennial Transparency Reports (BTR) every two years, with the first submission due no later than 31 December 2024. The BTR tracks progress, on the implementation of South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution including the support needed and received for implementation. The report is crucial in understanding South Africa’s progress the national circumstances, institutional frameworks and mitigation policies.
The report reveals that carbon dioxide (CO2) is the largest contributor to South Africa’s emissions. CO2 emissions contributed 81.9 % excl Agriculture, Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) to South Africa’s emissions in 2022. The contribution from methane (CH4) have increased from 12.9% to 13.2% (excl. LULUCF) between 2000 and 2022.
Energy emissions in 2022 accounted for 78 % (excl. LULUCF) (Figure ES1.2) and 86 % (incl. LULUCF) of total emissions for South Africa.
The GHG emissions from 2022 to 2030, both with and without Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) are reported. Over this period, emissions generally decrease, with notable reductions in 2026, 2029, and especially 2030. Emissions without LULUCF are consistently higher than those with LULUCF, highlighting the significant impact of land use and forestry on mitigating total emissions. The data shows a peak in emissions in 2024, followed by a downward trend, culminating in the lowest emissions in 2030.
Members of the public are invited to submit, within fifteen (15) days from the date of publication of this media statement, written representations or objection.
Download the full report HERE: South Africa’s draft First Biennial Transparency Report
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
