Sasol Climate Change Report 2023 - Book - Page 64
INTRODUCTION
TRANSFORMING FOR RESILIENCE
GOVERNANCE
CLIMATE ADVOCACY AND POLICY
DATA AND ASSURANCE
CLIMATE POLICY ADVOCACY
The Paris Agreement recognises the need for developing countries to grow their
economies as they decarbonise while maintaining a well-below 2°C temperature
goal and pushing for efforts towards 1,5°C. This is a collective goal; however,
based on national and regional circumstances, decarbonisation pathways differ
across regions and national economies and, by implication, companies.
Sasol is undertaking decarbonisation of its
operations in a just and equitable manner,
appropriately paced and timed, cognisant of job
creation, equality and economic growth. As such, we
advocate for the development of policy that upholds
our principles. Our advocacy approach is subject to
Board oversight.
In developing countries, where an understanding of
the implications of policy on the dual objectives of
decarbonisation and sustainable growth is critical, as
a regulated entity, we believe we can provide valuable
insights on applicable policies.
It is on this basis that we participate in policy
development processes. It is a South African legal
requirement that policy be consulted and engaged
on before being approved. We have a responsibility
to provide insight, information and data to
policymakers, which allow for the development of
policies that can be clearer, more concise and
encompass wider aspects of the issues being
regulated (people, planet, profit). Furthermore, we
seek to share our understanding of the impact of
such policies. We advocate through positions that
support our decarbonisation plans and
commitments, taking pace, timing, affordability,
mitigation potential and a just transition into
account.
Through our advocacy, we also aim to provide line of
sight to regulators on misaligned or contradictory
policy requirements across a spectrum of relevant
legislation. For instance, fuel standards and related
technology implementation may result, in reality, in
other environmental and operational impacts. This
could undermine businesses9 ability to sustainably
operate 3 often with negative socio-economic
outcomes. Similarly, policies in developed countries
that are designed to ensure the availability of
sustainable energy and chemicals may deter
investment in and development of those same
desired outcomes.
We do not always align with aspects of policies.
However, we remain committed to achieving a just
and equitable transition towards our net zero
ambition and we continue to work with stakeholders
to enable progress.
Public policy plays a critical role in regulating the
relationships between Sasol, policymakers and our
communities. Industry, being the entities regulated
by most policies, has a responsibility to directly or
indirectly alert policymakers to potential implications
for business and society, as do other stakeholders.
Our advocacy efforts are aimed at developing
enabling policies that support the Paris Agreement,
South Africa9s NDC and national priorities 3 a
balanced position between all priorities.
Sasolburg Operations, South Africa
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