The Interlinkages Between Climate Change Responses and Sustainable Development Goals at the Local Government Level in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Climate change poses a significant threat to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa, particularly in the vulnerable Eastern Cape Province. This study examines the interlinkages between climate-change responses (SDG 13) and selected SDGs (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9) at the municipal level. It investigates climate-financing mechanisms, lessons and opportunities from climate response practices, and their contribution to development outcomes. A qualitative approach was adopted, involving 20 purposively selected participants from metropolitan, district and local municipalities, as well as national institutions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and secondary-document analysis. It was analysed using thematic analysis informed by the Rapid Risk and Institutional Appraisal and Adaptive Capacity Wheel frameworks. The key findings show that climate responses are poorly financed at the local level but indirectly benefit from some municipal service provision. The findings further indicate that institutional learning and inclusive stakeholder engagement are central to effective climate response. Furthermore, the findings illustrate that climate change responses and SDGs may generate synergies at the project-outcome level while competing at the budget-allocation level. In essence, the study demonstrates that climate change responses and SDG achievement are closely interconnected but remain inadequately integrated into municipal planning processes. It concludes that stronger institutional mandates, dedicated financing mechanisms and improved climate mainstreaming are required to enhance resilience and development outcomes at the municipality level. The study contributes empirical evidence on the climate-SDG nexus and demonstrates the usefulness of RRIA and ACW in informing climate-governance reforms.