South Africa

Climate Change Country Profile

South Africa’s dependence on coal as a primary fuel source for electricity generation makes it one of the top 15 greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters in the world. Net emissions in 2015 were estimated at 512 Mt CO2eq, an increase of 20 percent from 2000. The energy sector represents roughly 80 percent of gross emissions, with energy industries1 (~60 percent) and transport (~12 percent) as the top sources.

Climate change is already altering South African ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods. Since 1990, the national average temperature has increased twice as fast as global temperature.2 Climate impacts on water security are particularly severe,3 with more frequent drought and water shortages resulting in water scarcity in parts of the country. Flora and fauna are also adversely affected by climate change. The country’s unique coastal fynbos vegetation range is projected to decrease by up to 65% and the marine habitat, which supports approximately one percent of the country’s GDP, has suffered degradation.