Innovating climate policy in South Africa: integrating technology and indigenous knowledge for resilient futures

Abstract

The challenge extends beyond environmental concerns – it reflects poorly coordinated policies that overlook local knowledge, and fail to leverage modern technology effectively. Policymakers are constrained by bureaucratic and institutional barriers, limiting their capacity to implement effective adaptation and mitigation strategies (Cashore et al., 2024). Despite strong frameworks such as the National Climate Change Response Policy and the National Development Plan, implementation remains challenging. Intergovernmental departments are weak, coal dependency persists, and local governments often lack the skills and resources required to carry out effective climate action. This brief highlights four key approaches: to strengthen South Africa’s climate response: enhancing coordination across all levels of government, utilizing digital technology like artificial intelligence for climate planning, formally including indigenous knowledge in policies, and expanding public–private partnerships beyond renewable energy to support broader climate resilience. By adopting these approaches, South Africa can move from fragmented climate action to a system that adapts well, includes all communities and builds lasting resilience.