South Africa’s Draft Third National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

The Draft Third National Communication (TNC) Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been published for public comment. This Report "follows suggested UNFCCC guidelines for developing countries in reporting on national circumstances; a national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for the period 2011-2012; climate change over South Africa in terms of trends and projected changes, vulnerability assessments and national adaptation strategies; measures to mitigate climate change; and other information relevant to the Convention (including a technology needs assessment, research and systematic observations and climate change education, training, awareness and capacity building needs).

"South Africa has made significant advances in climate policy since the publication of the Second National Communication. These advances are highlighted through national development programmes, plans and strategies from 2011-2015. Chapter 1 describes the planning and reporting documents prepared at a national level as part of international reporting commitments. These documents serve to inform national and regional priorities to address climate change concerns within the framework of national development programmes, plans and strategies."