LOCALIZING GLOBAL CLIMATE COMMITMENTS: CHALLENGES FOR MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH AFRICAN CITIES

This paper examines the challenges of localising global climate commitments, specifically the Paris Agreement, within South Africa’s marginalised informal settlements. Employing a Global–National–Local analytical framework, the study explores how international agreements are translated into national policies, such as South Africa’s Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (2021) and the Climate Change Act 22 of 2024, and subsequently implemented at the municipal level. Through qualitative content analysis of policy documents, implementation reports, and academic literature, the study identifies key barriers, including persistent policy fragmentation, the uneven allocation of climate finance (often misaligned with local needs), and limited institutionalisation of participatory governance in adaptation planning. While national policies advocate for urban resilience, poor implementation often leaves informal settlements behind. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for bridging this divide, including enhancing multilevel coordination, allocating dedicated adaptation finance for informal settlements, and institutionalising communityled planning. These strategies aim to align global climate ambitions and equitable local outcomes.