Cycling Challenge - Update Week 2 - South Africa

The Fundraiser

Week 2 is complete and 165.27 kms have been completed in Taiwan and South Africa (on Rouvy - read more here).

We thought that we would link this Challenge to other countries and find out a bit about what they are doing about the climate crisis. Come back each week to read more about our visits and check on progress against the fundraising challenge.

Next week we will be cycling in Chile.

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The challenge

South Africa’s economy and power system have long depended on coal. That reliance creates high emissions, persistent power interruptions, and entrenched social and employment issues tied to the coal sector. (Climate Action Tracker)

What they’re doing

The country is pursuing large-scale renewable procurement, pilot and scale-up of grid-connected wind and solar, and plans to repower or retire old coal capacity while expanding clean alternatives. Eskom (the state utility) has announced targets to shift toward predominantly clean energy by 2040. (Reuters)

Government initiatives

South Africa has developed a Just Energy Transition framework and an investment plan (the JET IP) to mobilise finance and support workers and communities as coal declines. Carbon budgeting, strengthened procurement for renewables, and targeted investment programs are part of the official response. (climatecommission.org.za)

Where they’re innovating and succeeding

South Africa is combining climate goals with social equity: the JET model focuses on channeling public and international funds to de-risk renewables, retrain workers, and upgrade grid infrastructure. Private-sector renewable projects and new utility planning at Eskom are increasing project pipelines and showing that a socially sensitive transition is feasible even in a coal-dependent economy. (climatecommission.org.za)

...and a little further north

The Great Green Wall of the Sahara and the Sahel is Africa's Flagship programme with the aim of growing an 8000km natural living structure that spans the whole width of Africa. Already facing persistent droughts, lack of food and mass migration to Europe this area is fighting back. Since its start in 2007 it has brought improved food security, jobs and stability to people's lives. (thegreatgreenwall.org)