Have your say on creating a green, sustainable city

THE City aims to create an environment that releases minimal carbon dioxide emissions and the public are urged to share their sustainability ideas this month.

The City believes now is the best time to take proper action, and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. The draft Climate Change Strategy is available for public comment until the end of the month.

Cape Town is experiencing a significant decrease in average annual rainfall, changed seasonality of rainfall, a significant increase in average annual temperature, increased maximum temperatures, more high heat days of 35ºC and more, an increase in wind strength and a rise in the average sea level.

Student Climate Change activist Noa Lou Brawermann said: “It is still possible to change Cape Town into a carbon-neutral environment. Cape Town is full of entrepreneurs looking for creative solutions to lowering our emissions. If we can support them, then change will come.’’

City Energy and Climate Change mayoral committee member Phindile Maxiti said: “We know we can all take small steps in our homes and neighbourhoods, schools and workplaces to change to more climate-friendly actions. This is a good starting point.”

Maxiti said the Carbon Neutral 2050 Goal and a Climate Action Plan were scheduled to be finalised by the end of this year. The draft policy can be found at www.capetown.gov.za/ haveyoursay and ideas on sustainability can be sent to ClimateChange. Enquiries@capetown.gov.za