President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Ordinary Session of the Presidential Climate Commission on Tuesday, highlighting the importance of taking action to combat climate change. The session, which was held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, brought together government officials, experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies and initiatives to address the urgent issue of climate change.
In his address, President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to tackling the climate crisis. He acknowledged that South Africa, like many other countries, has been facing the devastating effects of climate change, including severe droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. These impacts not only threaten the environment but also have a profound impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.
The President highlighted the recent floods in parts of the country, which have caused destruction and displacement of communities. He also mentioned the ongoing drought in the Western Cape, which has severely affected agriculture and water supply in the region. These are just some of the examples of how climate change is already affecting our country, and urgent action is needed to mitigate its effects.
President Ramaphosa stressed that the government is committed to addressing climate change and has taken significant steps towards this goal. He mentioned the National Climate Change Response Policy, which was adopted in 2011, as well as the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and the National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy. These policies and strategies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Furthermore, the President highlighted the importance of the recently adopted Climate Change Bill, which provides a legal framework for the country to transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. The Bill also establishes the Presidential Climate Change Coordinating Commission, which will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of climate change policies and strategies.
President Ramaphosa also acknowledged the role of the private sector and civil society in addressing climate change. He called on businesses to invest in sustainable and environmentally friendly practices and urged civil society to continue advocating for climate action. The President emphasized that the government alone cannot tackle this global challenge and that it requires a collective effort from all sectors of society.
The Ordinary Session of the Presidential Climate Commission also discussed the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. These are the commitments made by countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to achieving its NDCs and emphasized the need for developed countries to honor their pledge to provide financial and technological support to developing countries in their climate change efforts.
In conclusion, President Ramaphosa’s address at the Ordinary Session of the Presidential Climate Commission was a clear indication of the government’s commitment to tackling climate change. The President acknowledged the urgency of the issue and highlighted the steps that have been taken and the plans in place to address it. He also called for a collective effort from all sectors of society to combat this global challenge. With the government’s commitment and the involvement of all stakeholders, South Africa can make significant strides towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
