Border Carbon Adjustments Research: Strategic Pathways to Mitigate Adverse Impacts

This report outlines targeted entry points to be considered for mitigating adverse impacts associated with the rise of Border Carbon Adjustments (BCAs), with a particular focus on managing their effects in South Africas. The proposed interventions aim to safeguard and enhance South Africa’s access to export markets while supporting the country’s transition toward a low-carbon, competitive economy. Interventions are grouped into four pathways, anchored by a foundational “no-regret” assumption: institutional arrangements must be established, and awareness of climate-trade dynamics must be significantly elevated across government, industry, labour, and civil society. Given the complexity of these interventions, a comprehensive and coordinated approach is essential to engage and align all stakeholders.