GGH2601
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due 31 March 2026
, Question 1
Assume the role of a convenor of a presidential task team and discuss mitigation
strategies specifically tailored for your country to combat the impacts of climate
change (South Africa).
Introduction
Climate change poses a serious threat to South Africa’s development trajectory,
affecting water availability, food production, infrastructure and energy security. The
country experiences recurrent droughts, heatwaves and extreme floods, which
undermine livelihoods and economic growth. Although South Africa contributes a
relatively small share of global emissions, its coal-dependent economy and high
vulnerability to climate variability make mitigation and adaptation urgent priorities
(Department of Environmental Affairs, 2013; DEFF, 2019).
As convenor of a Presidential Climate Change Task Team, I propose an integrated
mitigation strategy tailored to South Africa’s specific environmental, socio-economic and
institutional conditions. These strategies focus on transforming the energy system,
strengthening water security, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, advancing
sustainable urban development and improving governance coordination. Together,
these interventions reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously building
resilience to climate impacts.
Energy Sector Decarbonisation
South Africa’s electricity system remains heavily dependent on coal, which accounts for
roughly 80% of electricity generation and is the main source of national greenhouse gas
emissions (IEA, 2021). This reliance increases vulnerability to climate change and
exposes the economy to international carbon transition pressures. Therefore,
decarbonising the energy sector is the cornerstone of any mitigation strategy.
The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme
(REIPPPP) has already demonstrated that wind and solar energy can be procured
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due 31 March 2026
, Question 1
Assume the role of a convenor of a presidential task team and discuss mitigation
strategies specifically tailored for your country to combat the impacts of climate
change (South Africa).
Introduction
Climate change poses a serious threat to South Africa’s development trajectory,
affecting water availability, food production, infrastructure and energy security. The
country experiences recurrent droughts, heatwaves and extreme floods, which
undermine livelihoods and economic growth. Although South Africa contributes a
relatively small share of global emissions, its coal-dependent economy and high
vulnerability to climate variability make mitigation and adaptation urgent priorities
(Department of Environmental Affairs, 2013; DEFF, 2019).
As convenor of a Presidential Climate Change Task Team, I propose an integrated
mitigation strategy tailored to South Africa’s specific environmental, socio-economic and
institutional conditions. These strategies focus on transforming the energy system,
strengthening water security, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, advancing
sustainable urban development and improving governance coordination. Together,
these interventions reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously building
resilience to climate impacts.
Energy Sector Decarbonisation
South Africa’s electricity system remains heavily dependent on coal, which accounts for
roughly 80% of electricity generation and is the main source of national greenhouse gas
emissions (IEA, 2021). This reliance increases vulnerability to climate change and
exposes the economy to international carbon transition pressures. Therefore,
decarbonising the energy sector is the cornerstone of any mitigation strategy.
The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme
(REIPPPP) has already demonstrated that wind and solar energy can be procured
