Development Impact Assessment (DIA) Case Study: South Africa

To support broader development goals while also reducing GHG emissions, a number of countries are developing and implementing low emission development strategies (LEDS). In a series of case studies, the U.S. government's Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS) Program is helping to expand the global dialogue on the links between LEDS and development by documenting the approaches and methodologies, as well as results. This case study reviews South Africa's experience in considering the impacts of climate change action on development goals, focusing on the South African energy sector and development impact assessments (DIAs) that have and could be used to influence energy policy or inform the selection of energy activities. It includes a review of assessments - conducted by government ministries, technical partners, and academic institutes and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) - that consider employment, health, and water implications of possible energy sector actions, as well as multi-criteria impact assessments.