SA Leads Global Climate Push, Urges World to Fast-Track Action on SDGs by 2030

Speaking virtually to international counterparts, the Minister highlighted the widening gap between global aspirations and current progress, warning that the world is dangerously off-track.

In a pivotal address to the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) earlier this week, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, delivered an impassioned plea to the global community to accelerate efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before the 2030 deadline.

Speaking virtually to international counterparts, the Minister highlighted the widening gap between global aspirations and current progress, warning that the world is dangerously off-track.

A Race Against Time for the SDGs

“With less than five years remaining in this crucial decade for climate action, we remain far from achieving our shared goals,” Dr George stated. “Poverty levels are worsening, global inequality persists, and carbon dioxide emissions reached unprecedented highs in 2024.”

The SDGs, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. The 17 goals cover areas ranging from quality education and gender equality to climate action and clean energy.

Yet, despite near-universal support for the goals, global progress has been uneven, hampered by geopolitical tensions, economic instability, the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters.

South Africa’s Climate Commitment and Legislative Breakthrough

Underscoring South Africa’s domestic commitment, Dr George highlighted the country’s recent landmark legislation—the Climate Change Act, which President Cyril Ramaphosa formally proclaimed into law on March 17, 2025. This legislation sets the legal foundation for a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive economy, and reinforces South Africa’s pledge to the Paris Agreement and the broader SDG framework.

“The Act represents a turning point for climate governance in South Africa,” Dr George explained. “It is designed to create a clear policy and legal framework for reducing emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and pursuing a just transition that leaves no one behind.”

The Act outlines roles and responsibilities for national, provincial, and local governments and mandates the development of sectoral carbon budgets, national adaptation strategies, and climate risk assessments.

A Just Transition and Renewable Energy Acceleration

Dr George emphasized that South Africa’s energy transition is well underway, with renewable energy investment surging significantly over the past few years. The rollout of solar and wind projects, alongside public-private partnerships, is steadily reducing the country’s dependence on coal—the backbone of South Africa’s power sector for decades.

“The decarbonization of our energy system is no longer theoretical—it is happening in real time,” he said. “However, we need support, particularly in the form of affordable climate finance, advanced technologies, and capacity-building.”

South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP), launched in 2022, continues to serve as a blueprint for enabling inclusive development while phasing out fossil fuels. Key to the plan is ensuring that workers and communities in coal-dependent regions are supported through retraining, economic diversification, and infrastructure development.

The Triple Planetary Crisis: Climate, Pollution, Biodiversity

The Minister also aligned South Africa’s presidency of the G20 Working Group with the global imperative to address the so-called “triple planetary crisis”—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. This year’s five interlinked priorities—Biodiversity and Conservation, Land Degradation, Chemicals and Waste, Climate Change and Air Quality, and Oceans and Coasts—were outlined as central pillars of collective action.

“These priorities are essential enablers for achieving the SDGs,” Dr George said. “By tackling desertification, restoring degraded lands, and improving air quality, we can address multiple challenges simultaneously—enhancing health, boosting food security, and creating green jobs.”

He also stressed the importance of multilateralism, calling for renewed international cooperation and solidarity to address the interconnected nature of today’s environmental and socio-economic crises.

Climate Finance: The Key to Unlocking Global Action

One of the most pressing concerns raised during the session was the issue of climate finance. Minister George reiterated South Africa’s stance that wealthy nations must fulfill their long-standing commitments to mobilize $100 billion annually in climate finance for developing countries—a pledge made under the Paris Agreement and yet to be fully realized.

“It is paramount that developing economies are actively supported in achieving whole-of-society and whole-of-economy just transitions,” he emphasized. “Scaled access to low-cost finance, technologies, and skills is critical.”

South Africa will use its G20 leadership platform to advocate for innovative financing solutions, including green bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, and blended finance mechanisms that can crowd in private investment.

The Road Ahead: From Words to Action

With climate-induced disasters such as floods, droughts, and wildfires increasing in frequency and intensity across the globe, the urgency of coordinated action cannot be overstated. Dr George closed his remarks with a call for transformation rather than incrementalism.

“We must move from promises to delivery, from ambition to implementation,” he said. “Let us recommit to the SDGs with greater urgency and determination. The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of transition.”

As global leaders prepare for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil next year, South Africa’s example of legislative action, climate diplomacy, and a just energy transition may offer a valuable roadmap for countries navigating the difficult but necessary path to sustainability.