WESSA Challenges SA Businesses to Rethink Environmental Impact

Photo Credit: Supplied by WESSA

Through informative talks and expert guidance, WESSA is making sure South African businesses rise to the occasion and become leaders in addressing climate change.

Durban, South Africa (04 October 2024) – In a time of escalating climate crisis, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) has issued a call to South African businesses.

The organisation hosted a high-level corporate dialogue in uMhlanga, Durban, to unpack the critical implications of the Climate Change Act for corporate South Africa.

The Climate Change Act is a landmark piece of legislation which mandates corporate compliance with stringent environmental regulations.

This new era demands a shift towards sustainable practices and a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Businesses urged to be leaders in the fight against climate change

This crucial discussion, led by Cindy-Lee Cloete, newly appointed CEO of WESSA, and Tina Costas, a director and environmental law expert from Norton Rose Fulbright, highlighted the urgent role that South African businesses play in the fight against climate change.

During the dialogue, WESSA stressed the importance of this legislation as a regulatory framework and an urgent call to action for South Africa’s business sector.

According to WESSA, Companies will now be required to submit mitigation plans, stay within assigned sectoral (carbon) emission targets (SETs), and adapt operations to meet climate change risks. These changes are imminent, and the Act gives businesses little room for complacency.

WESSA stands ready to support businesses

WESSA, with its rich 98-year history of environmental advocacy, is uniquely positioned to guide businesses through this transition.

The organisation emphasises that compliance is not only a legal requirement but also an opportunity for innovation and long-term sustainability.

By embracing the challenges presented by the Climate Change Act, businesses can not only protect the planet but also secure their own future.

Director at Norton Rose Fulbright, Tina Costas, provided a comprehensive presentation of the Climate Change Act, stressing that the law was designed to hold companies accountable for their greenhouse gas emissions and enforce sector-specific reduction targets.

The message was clear. Those failing to comply face significant penalties and risk being left behind in a rapidly changing global marketplace where sustainability and resilience are prized.

The dialogue also highlighted that, while the Climate Change Act has not become operational as yet, it opens opportunities for businesses to rethink their response strategies.

WESSA, through its impactful environmental programmes and training workshops, assessments, and expertise in environmental conservation and education, is ready to guide companies in attaining their environmental goals.

Cloete concluded the session by reinforcing WESSA’s commitment to a sustainable South Africa and calling on the business community to embrace the transformation that lies ahead:

“The Climate Change Act is our nation’s answer to the climate change crisis and challenges, and WESSA is committed to providing expert guidance and solutions to businesses that are eager to respond and adapt to these changes effectively.”