Climate Change Impact Assessments

The landmark Thabametsi case underscored the necessity of considering climate change in environmental decision-making. In this pivotal ruling by the Gauteng High Court, the court mandated that climate impacts must be assessed for projects with significant climate impacts. This established a legal precedent for Climate Change Impact Assessments (CCIAs) as a crucial component of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The court’s ruling has led to a more rigorous approach to climate-related risks in environmental planning.

CCIAs evaluate how proposed projects both affect, and are affected by, climate change. CCIAs must include an analysis of risks and vulnerabilities, must project impacts, and must include adaptation strategies. Currently, CCIAs are conducted in accordance with the draft National Guideline for Consideration of Climate Change Implications in Applications for Environmental Authorisations, Atmospheric Emissions Licenses, and Waste Management Licenses.

This draft guideline provides a structured approach to integrating climate considerations into EIAs, ensuring that significant impacts are identified and managed. Please contact Yellow Tree if you need clarification on whether your project requires a CCIA or not. Our team of Chemical Engineers with extensive carbon accounting experience, is able to assist you if your project requires a CCIA.