Low-carbon growth path must take SA realities into account
THE transition to a low-carbon growth trajectory will only be just if it takes account of the existing high levels of inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment in South Africa.
It is important those most affected by the changes are not left behind.
Climate change is possibly the largest threat to economic and social development worldwide. Increased global emissions and changes to weather patterns threaten not only the availability of natural resources such as water and arable land, but also breathable air for healthier populations, food security and economic growth.
The increase in extreme weather patterns has seen increased flooding and prolonged droughts, resulting in damage to infrastructure and crops, and people losing their lives and livelihoods.
Our country’s vulnerability to climate change is exacerbated by our economic inequality, poverty and current dependency on coal-fired power generation.
But all is not lost. There is still time to take decisive action to mitigate the worst effects of climate change and to adapt to a warmer climate.
This year, the Paris Agreement, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, comes fully into force.
This identifies three related and equally important aspects to intensifying the fight against climate change: first, mitigating or reducing greenhouse gas emissions; secondly, adapting to the consequences of climate change; and lastly, the means of implementation (finance and technology).
As a responsible global citizen, South Africa must also make a fair contribution to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
This year, our country is expected to submit a revised Nationally Determined Contribution at COP26. In consultation with all stakeholders, we are finalising our long-term low emissions development strategy.
In putting our submission together, we will be mindful of both the opportunities and the difficulties involved. International experience demonstrates the potential of green industries to stimulate growth and create jobs.
A recent study by Accenture estimates green industries and technology could unlock economic activities to the value of $350 billion (R5.2 trillion) in Africa.
To ensure the South African economy can benefit from these new technologies and industries, the National Employment Vulnerability Assessment and the Sector Job Resilience Plans must identify economic sectors vulnerable to climate change.
It must also find viable new green economic activities and opportunities, quantify the value of these and understand which sectors have to change and how.
Together, the departments of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and Science and Technology must intensify research and development into clean technologies. They must also look at how to increase the carbon “sink” capacity in the land sector to enhance mitigation.
As we change, we must also be mindful of our country’s dependence on fossil fuels, both for energy generation and foreign exchange earnings.
Our movement to a lower carbon and climate-resilient economy and society must be undertaken in a responsible, phased and planned manner.
The soon-to-be constituted Presidential Commission on Climate
Change will be tasked with coordinating the work of all sectors of government and society in a common effort to ensure a just transition. Only by working together can we ensure no one is left behind.
It is already estimated that African countries are spending 2-9% of their GDP on adaptation.
South Africa will continue to lobby developed countries to provide for an adequate, reliable and predictable source of international funding for both mitigation and adaptation.
Our country continues to participate in international forums to access both grant-based and blended finance solutions for our climate change needs.
To achieve any form of success, it is essential that the nations of the world stand together in support of the Paris Agreement.
Creecy is Environment, Forestry and Fisheries minister.