The PreCOP29 meeting in Baku was a big step towards fighting climate change. Leaders from different countries gathered to share ideas on how to lower emissions and work together for a better future. They focused on important topics like the Mitigation Work Program to help countries learn from each other and bring in new technologies. Everyone recognized that strong teamwork and open talks are essential to tackle the challenges we face and ensure a greener world.
In Citrusdal, farmers face tough times as floods destroy their crops and cut off their roads. Their once vibrant fields of vegetables have turned into sad reminders of loss. Despite rising food prices and the struggle to find enough to eat, these farmers show incredible strength and teamwork. With a passionate spirit and hope for better harvests, they continue to care for their land, dreaming of brighter days ahead. Their story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the deep connection between people and nature.
Dion George, a prominent figure in South African politics, addressed critical environmental issues at the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN). He emphasized the devastating effects of drought on vulnerable communities, the necessity for a consensus to address drought, and the importance of innovative financial resources to achieve sustainable development goals. He also highlighted the urgent need to address pollution, particularly plastic pollution, and proposed a legally binding instrument tailored to Africa’s unique conditions.
Climate change is a real and urgent crisis that poses physical and transitionrelated threats to South Africa. The country is vulnerable due to its increased warming rate, which results in droughts, fierce storms, and rising sea levels that endanger its food and water supply, infrastructure, and the health of its inhabitants and wildlife. However, the transition process could provide opportunities for voluntary decarbonization and significant “climate returns” for investors. To ensure fairness and equity, comprehensive changes in policy, law, technology, and market are required, and addressing social risks, particularly potential job losses, is fundamental.
South Africa is among the nations most intensely affected by natural disasters, making the development of early warning systems vital in mitigating the effects of climate change. The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, stressed the importance of collective adaptation and collaboration during a national workshop orchestrated by the South African Weather Service. The ‘Early Warnings for All’ initiative led by SAWS aims to provide an adequate warning dissemination system that reaches remote areas and vulnerable populations.
South Africa has taken a bold step towards tackling climate change with the recent signing of the Climate Change Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The law provides a structured approach to South Africa’s response to climate change, addressing urgent issues such as governance, climate change mitigation strategies, and the potentially catastrophic effects on agriculture and food supplies. This legislation sets a precedent for South Africa’s regional partners and the international community, highlighting the importance of collective action in the face of a global environmental crisis.
The New Water Program aims to provide an additional 300 million liters of fresh water daily by 2030 to secure a resilient water supply for the city’s growth. Cape Town has had a successful water security program amidst climate change, including water reuse, desalination, and invasive species removal. Even with dam levels over 90%, the fixed basic charge for water services remains necessary, and the city is committed to a watersecure future despite the challenges of climate change.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke at the 2024 Climate Resilience Symposium in Tshwane, emphasizing the tangible impact of climate change, the economic consequences and opportunities, and the societal dimensions of the issue. He called for a managed transition to a lowcarbon economy, investing in green infrastructure, and accelerating decarbonization efforts, while also highlighting South Africa’s commitment to attaining net zero emissions by 2050 and called for a nationwide effort to construct a climateresilient country. Ramaphosa’s speech was a call to action for urgent collective action towards building a sustainable future.
South African smallscale fishermen are standing up against TotalEnergies’ offshore oil and gas exploration plans amid fears that they will ruin their livelihoods. Led by fisherman Sifiso Ntsunguzi, the community is concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed sites and the potential loss of fish, which is their main source of food and income. Environmental group Green Connection has sued the government over TotalEnergies’ environmental authorisation, and the company’s promises to reach netzero carbon emissions by 2050 are being scrutinised. The conflict highlights the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental preservation.
South Africa’s unpredictable climate silently adds to the struggle of the homeless population, making their already challenging lives even more uncertain. During winters, severe chill increases the danger of frostbite and other coldrelated health issues. However, the magnitude of this humanitarian crisis remains unknown, and statesanctioned shelters offer temporary relief. Regular citizens can also contribute by donating money, food, clothes, and blankets to these shelters; it’s a shared responsibility to help those without homes weather the storm.
Cape Town’s Bloubergstrand, a beloved tourist destination, is facing a grave threat due to rising sea levels from climate change. Studies project a loss of 112.1 meters of coastline by the end of the century, making it the ninth most atrisk tourist beach in Africa. This highlights the urgent need for immediate and collective action from global political and economic entities to address the worldwide crisis of rising sea levels and erosion. Saving these natural marvels is not just an environmental priority, but an economic necessity.
The South African wine industry is adapting to climate change by replanting vineyards to conform to natural contour lines, installing drains to direct rainfall towards a reservoir, fostering biodiversity to enhance soil fertility, and preparing for future climate challenges. The vineyards in Stellenbosch are being extensively restructured to better endure heavy rain episodes, and the goal is to create a harmonious relationship with nature. The industry must prepare for a global temperature escalation of up to 3 degrees Celsius and a 30% shrinkage in annual rainfall by midcentury.
South Africa has made significant progress in fulfilling basic needs and developing infrastructure through its Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). The government’s focus on intergovernmental planning, budgeting, and implementation has led to improvements in access to essential services. However, challenges remain, and the administration is working towards a better future for all, including partnerships with the private sector and addressing climate change impacts. The journey is far from finished, but the government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in this journey.
Climate tech company Spiritus has pledged to offset the carbon emissions from Taylor Swift’s private flight from Japan to Las Vegas using its Direct Air Capture technology. The company’s innovative technology simulates the human lung to remove carbon from the air, potentially lowering the cost of carbon removal to under $100 per ton. Spiritus CEO Charles Cadieu emphasised the importance of carbon removal to combat environmental damage and make a sustainable future a reality. The initiative highlights the potential for everyday actions to impact climate change and encourages wider changes in environmental responsibility methods.
Cape Town in 2023 is a vibrant city with a rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking natural beauty. Tranquil Western Cape towns provide a welcome respite from the bustling city, while trendsetting marketing campaigns and thrilling urban adventures keep the energy high. The city’s communal spirit is highlighted through lighthearted laughter and environmental concerns, reminding us of the pressing need for action against climate change. Despite the challenges, Cape Town’s resilience shines through, promising more unforgettable moments in the years to come.
The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth held its annual meeting in Kampala, Uganda in January 2024. The conference focused on topics such as climate change, diversity and inclusivity in parliaments, security measures, and the role of speakers and presiding officers in building consensus for parliamentary business. Beyond political and academic significance, the event provided a platform for diverse voices and informal networking opportunities. The event celebrated the diversity of the Commonwealth’s parliamentary institutions and reaffirmed the crucial role that parliamentary figures play in shaping the future of democracy.
