The UN in South Africa and the Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, together with the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), have launched a Climate Action and Just Energy Access and Transition Campaign in South Africa. This national campaign seeks to encourage everyday practical actions that communities and individuals can take, to complement large-scale initiatives (whether public, private or social sector) aimed at countering climate change and achieving just energy transition and access.

“South Africa’s just energy transition will not be achieved by policy alone,” pointed out UN Resident in South Africa Nelson Muffuh. “It will be shaped by the choices people make every day in their homes, workplaces, and communities. This campaign is about placing people at the centre of climate action – showing that every action, however small, contributes to building a cleaner, more resilient, and more inclusive future for the country. The UN is proud to support this national effort alongside the [PCC] and our partners.”

The slogan of the campaign is “Everyone has a role. Every climate action counts. #ActNow” and it will be promoted on solar energy-powered billboards (which will also demonstrate the effectiveness of clean energy).

“Critical to localised climate action and simplifying the just transition is the need to keep society engaged and inspired,” highlighted PCC Deputy Chairperson Dipak Patel. “We believe that global commitments on the climate emergency must translate into a domestic collective effort and a call to go back to the basics – that is why this campaign is more than just about being out there but about demonstrating that addressing climate change is everybody’s business.”

To this end, the campaign is focused on 12 simple activities that ordinary people can take. These include recycling, saving energy, choosing greener energy options, reducing use of fossil fuels, avoiding illegal electricity connections, supporting local businesses and supporting women-owned businesses.