President Cyril Ramaphosa says transitioning to a low emissions economy offers new opportunities for development. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe must acknowledge that the transition to a low emissions economy and climate resilient society offers opportunities for new development, investment and job creation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is therefore important that we understand both the opportunities and the risks associated with a climate transition,\u201d the President said when he responded to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday. <\/p>\n
The President — who will over the weekend participate in the G7 Leaders\u2019 Summit in the UK, where climate matters feature high on the agenda — said tackling climate change is a national priority that requires South Africa to meet its international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and implement adaptation measures to protect individuals, communities and the economy from the effects of climate change.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we do not act now, and if we do not act together as a global community, we will be increasingly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, food insecurity, water scarcity, displacement of populations and biodiversity loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the same time, the country\u2019s response to climate change needs to be well managed to ensure that it does not negatively impact on the economy or exacerbate inequality, poverty and unemployment.\u201d <\/p>\n
The President said it is for this reason that The Presidency established the Presidential Climate Commission to identify a path towards a low emissions economy and climate resilient society that is just, promotes inclusive development and job creation, and leaves no one behind.<\/p>\n
The Commission is constituted by members of various sectors of society, including business, labour, civil society, youth, research institutes and government.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis signifies that we recognise the multidimensional nature of climate change and a just transition.<\/p>\n
\u201cCabinet Ministers, particularly those from the economic cluster, actively participate in the Commission\u2019s work to ensure that there is political oversight.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs part of our response to climate change, public consultations have been underway on the draft updated Nationally Determined Contribution.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis outlines the country\u2019s targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce finalised, the updated Nationally Determined Contribution will be submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ahead of the Climate Change Summit \u2013 known as COP 26 \u2013 in Glasgow in November,\u201d said the President. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Source: South African Government News Agency<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
President Cyril Ramaphosa says transitioning to a low emissions economy offers new opportunities for development. \u201cWe must acknowledge that the transition to a low emissions economy and climate resilient society offers opportunities for new development…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n