ABOUT

Alliances for Climate Action is a global network of domestic multi-sector coalitions committed to supporting the delivery and enhancement of their countries’ climate goals.

The South African Alliance is connecting the private sector, cities, provinces, investors, research institutions, and others to form “surprising alliances” to collectively achieve a net carbon neutral economy by 2050.

 

WHAT DO ALLIANCE MEMBERS DO?

Alliance for Climate Action coalition members work together in a wide variety of ways — in-person and virtually, in small-group encounters and large public fora. They participate in many activities that form three main pillars of work:

1. Produce plans that show how you will achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, individually and working with others.
2. Start translating the plans into action within the organisation, or by collaborating with others on mutually beneficial climate actions..
3. Use your influence to champion an economy-wide transition to zero carbon by 2050 with national government.
4. Encourage others to join the Alliance.

CONVENING PARTNERS

C40 is a network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate change. C40 supports cities to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and drive meaningful, measurable and sustainable action on climate change.

Around the world, C40 Cities connects 94 of the world’s greatest cities to take bold climate action, leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future. Representing 700+ million citizens and one-quarter of the global economy, mayors of the C40 cities are committed to delivering on the most ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement at the local level, as well as to cleaning the air we breathe.

The National Business Initiative (NBI) is a voluntary coalition of South African and multinational companies, working towards sustainable growth and development in South Africa and the shaping of a sustainable future through responsible business action, thereby demonstrating business action for sustainable growth.

From its impact on our fast-changing climate to our free-flowing rivers, expansive life-giving oceans to vast food supplying landscapes, WWF South Africa catalyses strategic initiatives where there is the greatest need to restore balance, reduce impact and protect our country’s vital resources and natural biodiversity. WWF also works with government and the investment industry to re-direct financial flows away from fossil fuels and lead the way in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

WHY DOES SOUTH AFRICA NEED THE ALLIANCE FOR CLIMATE ACTION?

An increased ratio of debt to GDP along with a stagnant economy and the impact of COVID-19 have exacerbated socio-economic challenges of inequality, poverty, and unemployment in South Africa.

This leaves South African business, communities and municipalities struggling and increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of both physical risks posed by climate change itself as well as to transition risk as global trading partners switch building to low carbon economies.

Stakeholders need to act decisively and collectively to reduce the emissions that cause climate change and to ensure we make the transition to a low carbon economy in a socially just and equitable way.

This involves a shift in our energy systems from fossil fuels of oil, coal and gas to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and waves; plus reduced emissions from every sector, such as transport, industry, construction, agriculture, and land use. Globally, investors and trading partners are also looking for low-carbon opportunities, goods and services, and South Africa’s economy risks being stranded in a carbon-intensive backwater. This while the areas for economic growth and greater returns on investment off a low base lie in the low-carbon economy waiting in the wings.

The alliance is the platform for decisive and collective action in South Africa.