Over 600 representatives from government, civil society, business, scientific and academic communities ended a three day National Climate Change Conference with the adoption of the Midrand Action for Climate Change Statement which outlines a programme of action to respond to challenges posed by climate change.

“South Africa has now set itself in motion to address challenges posed by climate change. The attendance and inputs of the Deputy President and Ministers of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Minerals and Energy, Science and Technology and Water Affairs and Forestry affirmed the fact that Cabinet has this issue high on its agenda and will ensure required leadership is provided within and outside South Africa. What was particularly instructive is the speeches delivered by this political leadership which is also reflective in the outcomes” said Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Head of Communications, J P Louw.

South Africa’s commitment to climate action was voiced by all Ministers present. The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism called for a world-wide climate change awareness campaign to demystify and mainstream climate change, urging the need to make the link, in the minds of ordinary people around the world, between their actions and climate change. The Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs called for the promotion of food security in the face of the climate change threat. The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry stressed how crucial water management will be in adapting to climate change impacts. The Minister of Science and Technology stressed the importance of a National Climate Change Research and Development Strategy as a key instrument to channel our efforts. The Minister of Minerals and Energy launched the Designated National Authority which will realise the potential of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and actively promote CDM projects in South Africa.

“Whilst international commitments do not require of us to commit to emissions reduction, we believe there is a responsibility on developing countries like ours to go beyond what has been negotiated and set in paper, and rather take action which would ultimately firm up the delivery of jobs, environmentally sustainable practice and ensure accelerated and shared growth” further said Louw.

Some of the commitments made at the conference include:

Initiate a scenario building process to map out how South Africa can meet its commitment to stabilise greenhouse gas
stabilisation with a focus on poverty alleviation and job creation;
Establish the South African Energy Research Institute;
Compile sectoral action plans to implement the National Climate Change Response Strategy;
Facilitate the development of clean technologies for climate change mitigation;
Increase research and development efforts whilst directing current research towards a critical mass of multi-disciplinary knowledge;
Explore new funding sources and mechanisms to support the rollout of renewable energy; and
Eskom re-committed to displacement of 10% of its coal-fired generating capacity with alternative sources by 2012.

Other key highlights during the Climate Change Conference were:
A four day science conference where various scientific inputs from around the globe were presented. This part of the conference ended with the adoption of a science statement;
an agreement entered between government and business (represented by Business Unity South Africa’s Head, Patrice Motsepe) on the basis of which business will now begin to report on its greenhouse gas emissions; and
launch of the Designated National Authority which in terms of the country’s international commitments, will facilitate the implementation of clean development initiatives in South Africa.

“It is agreed that climate change is one of the most significant global threats to sustainable development in this century. If not addressed decisively, it could undermine poverty eradication efforts with major implications for inter alia clean water, food security, energy supply, environmental health, biodiversity and human settlement. Climate Change is a reality and its here. It is now time for action” concluded Louw.