President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Ordinary Session of the Presidential Climate Commission on Tuesday, highlighting the importance of taking urgent 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 for addressing the climate crisis in South Africa.
In his address, President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for a collective effort to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. He stated that the effects of climate change are already being felt in South Africa, with severe droughts, floods, and extreme weather events becoming more frequent. These events not only threaten the environment but also have a significant impact on the economy and people’s livelihoods.
The President acknowledged that South Africa, as a developing country, has a responsibility to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. He stressed the importance of finding innovative solutions that will not only reduce carbon emissions but also create new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing climate change through various initiatives, such as the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and the National Climate Change Response Policy. He also mentioned the country’s participation in international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
The President urged all sectors of society to work together to achieve the country’s climate goals. He emphasized the need for collaboration between government, the private sector, civil society, and communities to develop and implement effective climate change policies and strategies.
Furthermore, President Ramaphosa called for a just transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring that no one is left behind in the shift towards sustainable development. He stressed the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable communities, who are often the most affected by the impacts of climate change.
The President also highlighted the role of technology in addressing climate change, stating that innovation and new technologies can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. He called for increased investment in research and development to find new solutions to the climate crisis.
In conclusion, President Ramaphosa reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing climate change and urged all stakeholders to take urgent action. He emphasized that the decisions made today will have a significant impact on the future of our planet and called for a collective effort to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
The Ordinary Session of the Presidential Climate Commission was a crucial step towards developing a comprehensive and coordinated response to the climate crisis in South Africa. The President’s address served as a call to action, inspiring all stakeholders to work together towards a greener, more sustainable future.
The session also highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing climate change and its willingness to collaborate with all sectors of society to achieve this goal. With the President’s leadership and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, South Africa can become a leader in the fight against climate change and pave the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come.
