South African Parliament Representatives Embark on Journey to COP28

South African parliamentary representatives, led by Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, are attending the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to discuss climate change. COP28 seeks to assess the progress made in meeting the objectives set in the Paris Agreement of 2015 and inspire countries to define more progressive emission reduction goals. South Africa’s involvement in COP28 demonstrates the nation’s dedication to climate change action. The South African delegation includes representatives from various political parties, indicating the nation’s commitment to a joint effort in environmental preservation.

South African parliamentary representatives, led by Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, are attending the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to discuss climate change. COP28 seeks to assess the progress made in meeting the objectives set in the Paris Agreement of 2015 and inspire countries to define more progressive emission reduction goals. South Africa, a trailblazer among developing countries and emerging economies, has made commitments to voluntary emissions reductions and has introduced the Climate Change Bill to address the repercussions of climate change domestically. The South African delegation’s involvement in COP28 demonstrates the nation’s dedication to climate change action.

The dynamic landscape of climate change, a worldwide dilemma demanding immediate and unified intervention, has prompted a gathering of nearly 200 nations at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28). This conference is slated to be held from 30 November to 12 December at Expo City Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates. Spearheading South Africa’s presence in this international climate convention is Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who is the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA). Alongside her is a diversified parliamentary group, echoing South Africa’s dedication to a unified stance on environmental preservation.

COP28: A Stage for Climate Discussions

Forming part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP28 serves as an essential platform for international discourse on climate change. The conference this year seeks to assess the advancement achieved in relation to the objectives established in the groundbreaking Paris Agreement of 2015. This agreement, endorsed by nearly 200 countries, set the ambitious goal of keeping global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a necessary step in lessening the worst impacts of climate change. These encompass severe weather patterns, ocean level increases, biodiversity depletion, food scarcity, and health hazards.

COP28, while keeping tabs on the global progress in meeting these targets, also aspires to inspire countries to define more progressive emission reduction goals and construct sturdy national climate plans. It further intends to offer financial and technical support to developing countries to aid them in tackling climate change, a subject of paramount interest to South Africa.

South Africa’s Contribution to Climate Change Initiatives

An active participant in both the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, South Africa has consistently lent its support to worldwide initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions, a principal contributor to global warming. Over the preceding two decades, the nation has positioned itself as a trailblazer among developing countries and emerging economies, committing to voluntary emissions reductions.

In 2010, South Africa made a commitment to reductions by 2020 under the Copenhagen Accord. Furthermore, South Africa had the honor of hosting the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) in 2011, which saw the launch of the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, another significant climate change initiative.

Notwithstanding, South Africa’s commitment to action on climate change transcends international representation. The adverse effects of climate change have already started taking a toll on the country. In the years 2022 and 2023, South Africa faced extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, storms, and devastating floods, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of lives.

South Africa’s Domestic Climate Change Legislation

Taking tangible steps towards devising a thorough climate action strategy, the South African Parliament has introduced the Climate Change Bill. This represents the inaugural piece of legislation in South Africa that is explicitly aimed at controlling and addressing the repercussions of climate change. Currently under consideration, the National Assembly accepted the bill on 24th October 2023.

COP28 provides a crucial chance for South African parliamentary representatives to exhibit their leadership and accountability in addressing the climate crisis on a national as well as international scale.

The South African Delegation

Leading the South African delegation is Ms Barbara Creecy, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The delegation includes representatives from various political parties, indicating the nation’s commitment to a joint effort in environmental preservation. Alongside the Speaker, the delegation includes Mr Cedric Frolick, the House Chairperson responsible for Committees and ICT in the National Assembly, and Mr Jomo Nyambi, the House Chairperson responsible for Committees in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), among others.

Besides their attendance at the conference, the delegation members will partake in a parliamentary meeting organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Federal National Council of UAE. They will also serve as moderators, facilitators, and speakers at various events throughout the two-week conference, indicative of South Africa’s active and integral role in global climate dialogue.

The delegation’s involvement in COP28 stands as a testament to South Africa’s dedication to climate change action, both on home soil and on a global scale. Their presence carries significant weight in negotiating and shaping climate policies that will determine the future of our planet. As the global community unites to discuss the most pressing issue of our era, South Africa is ready to take on a prominent role in these important discussions.

1. Who is leading the South African parliamentary representatives attending COP28?

Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is leading the South African parliamentary representatives attending COP28, along with Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy.

2. What is the objective of COP28?

The objective of COP28 is to assess the progress made in meeting the objectives set in the Paris Agreement of 2015 and inspire countries to define more progressive emission reduction goals.

3. What is South Africa’s contribution to climate change initiatives?

South Africa has consistently lent its support to worldwide initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions, a principal contributor to global warming. The nation has positioned itself as a trailblazer among developing countries and emerging economies, committing to voluntary emissions reductions.

4. What is South Africa’s domestic climate change legislation?

The South African Parliament has introduced the Climate Change Bill, the inaugural piece of legislation in South Africa that is explicitly aimed at controlling and addressing the repercussions of climate change.

5. Who is part of the South African delegation attending COP28?

The South African delegation attending COP28 includes Ms Barbara Creecy, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, along with representatives from various political parties, such as Mr Cedric Frolick and Mr Jomo Nyambi.

6. How does South Africa’s involvement in COP28 demonstrate its dedication to climate change action?

South Africa’s involvement in COP28 demonstrates its dedication to climate change action because it shows the nation’s commitment to a unified stance on environmental preservation, on both a national and international scale. It also highlights South Africa’s leadership and accountability in addressing the climate crisis.