The Local Government Climate Change Support Programme in South Africa

A growing number of countries and municipalities want to enhance multi-level climate governance. Real-life examples and experiences can help them learn from pioneers in this area. The V-LED Real Practice series responds to the growing demand for this practical knowledge. The series answers the question: How have local and national governments addressed challenges in their collaborative climate actions? By delving into the details of practical initiatives, examining the challenges they face and highlighting key lessons for replication, the series extends knowledge to policy makers and implementers in order to improve collaborative action between local, national and global actors.

South Africa has pioneered a support programme to enable provinces and municipalities across the country to better respond to climate change

South Africa’s cities and towns are crucial to changing the country’s emissions profile and building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. The national government has pioneered a large-scale capacity-building programme that helps provinces and municipalities across the country better respond to climate change. Led by the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and implemented by a multi-stakeholder coalition, the Local Government Climate Change Support Programme (LGCCSP) is a hands-on demonstration of multi-level climate collaboration and has co-produced knowledge that continues to shape South Africa’s climate policy framework. This study gives insight into how the LGCCSP works in practice.

Listen to Yachika Reddy, Project Manager at Sustainable Energy Africa and Lead Author of the South African Real Practice Study on the background, challenges and learnings of the Local Government Climate Chance Support Programme in South Africa. 

Background on Climate Governance in South Africa

Challenges and Lessons from the LGCCSP