,LCP4805 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 27 March 2025
Question 1
List and provide examples of environmental sector-specific
legislation that addresses (directly or indirectly) climate change
issues in South Africa. (15)
Question 1: Environmental Sector-Specific
Legislation Addressing Climate Change in South
Africa (15 marks)
Several pieces of legislation in South Africa directly
or indirectly address climate change issues by
regulating environmental protection, emissions
control, sustainable development, and biodiversity
conservation. Below are key examples:
1. National Environmental Management: Air
Quality Act 39 of 2004 (NEMAQA)
o This Act regulates air quality and seeks to
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by
setting air pollution standards.
o Example: The Act establishes air quality
management plans and emissions standards
that industries must comply with to reduce
carbon emissions.
, 2. National Environmental Management Act
107 of 1998 (NEMA)
o This framework legislation provides for
sustainable development and environmental
governance, incorporating the precautionary
and polluter-pays principles.
o Example: It mandates environmental impact
assessments (EIAs) for projects that may
contribute to climate change, such as fossil
fuel extraction.
3. Carbon Tax Act 15 of 2019
o This Act introduces a tax on carbon
emissions to incentivize industries to adopt
cleaner energy sources and reduce GHG
emissions.
o Example: Large polluters, such as coal-fired
power stations, must pay a carbon tax based
on their emissions.
4. National Climate Change Response White
Paper (2011)
o Although not legislation, this policy
document informs climate-related laws and
strategies by outlining South Africa’s
mitigation and adaptation measures.
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 27 March 2025
Question 1
List and provide examples of environmental sector-specific
legislation that addresses (directly or indirectly) climate change
issues in South Africa. (15)
Question 1: Environmental Sector-Specific
Legislation Addressing Climate Change in South
Africa (15 marks)
Several pieces of legislation in South Africa directly
or indirectly address climate change issues by
regulating environmental protection, emissions
control, sustainable development, and biodiversity
conservation. Below are key examples:
1. National Environmental Management: Air
Quality Act 39 of 2004 (NEMAQA)
o This Act regulates air quality and seeks to
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by
setting air pollution standards.
o Example: The Act establishes air quality
management plans and emissions standards
that industries must comply with to reduce
carbon emissions.
, 2. National Environmental Management Act
107 of 1998 (NEMA)
o This framework legislation provides for
sustainable development and environmental
governance, incorporating the precautionary
and polluter-pays principles.
o Example: It mandates environmental impact
assessments (EIAs) for projects that may
contribute to climate change, such as fossil
fuel extraction.
3. Carbon Tax Act 15 of 2019
o This Act introduces a tax on carbon
emissions to incentivize industries to adopt
cleaner energy sources and reduce GHG
emissions.
o Example: Large polluters, such as coal-fired
power stations, must pay a carbon tax based
on their emissions.
4. National Climate Change Response White
Paper (2011)
o Although not legislation, this policy
document informs climate-related laws and
strategies by outlining South Africa’s
mitigation and adaptation measures.
