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Some Other Relevant Environmental Legislation Includes
■ National Water Act, 36 of 1998.
■ National Energy Act, 34 of 2008.
■ National Forests Act, 84 of 1998.
■ National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004.
■ National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004.
■ National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 59 of 2008.
■ National Environmental Management: Waste Amendment Act, 26 of 2014.
■ National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 57 of 2004.
■ National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act,
24 of 2008.
The National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act, 2022 came
into effect on 30 June 2023, and aims to amend almost every Environmental
Management Act in the country, including Waste, Air, Biodiversity and Water.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
There is a growing acceptance and integration of ESG principles among South
African corporates, who recognise that this is essential to attracting investment
and aligning with global expectations of corporate responsibility and sustainable
impact. Coupled with this, the demand for sustainability-linked loans is surging,
with banks competing to offer this new form of finance in South Africa. These
loans could be used for any purpose, such as making an acquisition. However,
the interest rate applicable is informed by the achievement of specific targets by
the borrower on key ESG indicators.
Climate Change Act
The Climate Change Act, no. 22 of 2024, as endorsed by the President, enables
the alignment of policies that influence South Africa's climate change response,
to ensure that South Africa's transition to a low carbon and climate resilient
economy and society is not constrained by policy contradictions.

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