09
July 2008 - Media Statement - Statement
by Marthinus van Schalkwyk, South African
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
G8, Japan, 9 July 2008
WEDNESDAY, 09 JULY 2008:
This week provided an opportunity to clarify
positions in support of the multilateral
negotiations. South Africa appreciates the
opportunity to be part of discussions in
this format. Though it cannot replace the
formal UN negotiations, it does contribute
towards an improved understanding that takes
us closer to solutions.
During this week, it
became clear that there are two proposals
on the table which we will continue to discuss
in the formal negotiations, namely:
the G8’s proposal for
a long term global goal for emission reductions
of 50% by 2050 without a base year and without
mid-term targets. We would argue that this
proposal does not meet the required-by-science
criteria. It is based on the lowest common
denominator in the G8 grouping; and
the G5’s more detailed and more ambitious
proposal, also supported by many G8 countries,
which essentially has three elements:
developed countries should take the lead
with ambitious and absolute emission reductions
of between 80% and 95% below 11000 levels
by mid-century;
quantified emission targets under the Kyoto
Protocol toward the upper end of the range
of 25% to 40% below 11000 levels by 2020
for all developed countries; and
deviation from business-as-usual emission
trajectories in developing countries, supported
and enabled by technology and financing.
For South Africa this
comes as a political package. To be meaningful,
a long term goal must have a base year,
it must be underpinned by clear, unambiguous
and ambitious mid-term targets for developed
countries and it should be based on an equitable
burden-sharing paradigm that reflects historical
responsibility for the problem. Without
a base year and mid-term targets a commitment
to ‘50% by 2050’ is an empty slogan without
substance.
We are disappointed
that some G8 countries continue to reject
the ambitious package that we strive for.
We would have liked to see much more from
the G8 this week. If they accept this package
it would pave the way for significant progress
in the current climate negotiations.
The developing world
gave two steps forward. The ball is now
in the G8’s court to respond and to deal
with the reality of the lowest common denominator
between them.
We remain committed
and convinced that a comprehensive outcome
for the negotiations is possible in Copenhagen
in 2009. The real negotiations continue
in the UN process where we meet in a transparent
way without excluding any countries.
Ronel Bester
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Response by Marthinus
van Schalkwyk, South African Minister of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, to the
G8 Declaration on Climate Change, 8 July
2008
08 July 2008 - Media
Statement - Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism - TUESDAY, 08 JULY 2008:
South Africa has noted the G8 Statement
on Climate Change. While the Statement may
appear as a movement forward, we are concerned
that it may, in effect, be a regression
from what is required to make a meaningful
contribution to meeting the challenges of
climate change.
We came to Hokkaido
with the expectation that the eight major
industrialised economies of the world would
demonstrate leadership on the climate change
issue.
The long term global
goal for emission reductions of 50% by 2050
falls below what is scientifically required
to stabilise the atmosphere at a relatively
safe level. To be meaningful and credible,
a long term goal must have a base year,
it must be underpinned by ambitious mid-term
targets and actions and it should be based
on an equitable burden-sharing paradigm.
As it is expressed in
the G8 statement, the long term goal is
an empty slogan without substance.
We know very well that
there are many countries in the G8 grouping
that share our ambitious expectations, and
therefore it is regrettable that the lowest
common denominator in the G8 determined
the level of ambition in the G8 Declaration
on climate change.
The ambitious package
that South Africa is striving for has three
elements:
Firstly, for the global
community to seriously consider a long term
global goal for emission reductions of at
least 50% by 2050 compared to 11000 levels,
we believe the G8 industrialised countries
should resolve to lead with reductions of
between 80% and 95% below 11000 levels by
mid-century;
Secondly, absolute emission reductions based
on mid-term targets toward the upper end
of the range of 25% to 40% below 11000 levels
by 2020 for all developed countries - with
the emphasis on all developed countries;
And finally, substantial deviations below
business-as-usual baselines in some developing
country regions by 2020 and in all regions
by 2050.
This offer comes as a political package.
To display integrity, a long term goal must
have a base year and it must be underpinned
by clearly-defined mid-term targets. Only
on that basis can we all agree on the global
goal.
Ronel Bester
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National Framework for
Sustainable Development (NFSD) Announced
10 July 2008 - Media
Statement - Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism - THURSDAY, 10 JULY
2008: Mrs Nosipho Jezile-Ngcaba, Director
General of the Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism today announced the
Cabinet approval of the National Framework
for Sustainable development (NFSD) and the
intention to develop an indepth implementation
plan for sustainable development in the
country.
In the Johannesburg
Plan of Implementation (JPOI), negotiated
at the World Summit on Sustainable Development
(WSSD), held in September 2002, in Johannesburg
countries committed to preparing and implementing
national strategies for sustainable development.
In line with the WSSD target and the Department’s
role in leading and promoting the global
sustainable development agenda and thereby
maintaining the WSSD legacy, the department
led a process towards the development of
a single coherent framework that articulates
South Africa’s development context, and
sets out our common vision and strategic
areas of intervention for achieving sustainable
development. Phase I of a three phase process,
through a series of dialogues has culminated
in the development of the National Framework
for Sustainable Development (NFSD).
“A sustainable development
paradigm is integral to our 2014 vision,
as it defines the social, economic, environmental
and governance parameters, and explicitly
recognizes the constraints that decision-makers
must take into account when policies are
adopted aimed at growing the economy, sustaining
our natural resource base and meeting basic
social and human needs,” said Jezile-Ngcaba.
Sustainable development
is about enhancing human well-being and
quality of life for all time, in particular
those most affected by poverty and inequality.
Resource use efficiency and intergenerational
equity are the core principles of sustainable
development.
The national framework
for sustainable development seeks to build
on existing programmes and strategies that
have emerged in the first 14 years of democracy.
It sets the framework for a common understanding
and vision of sustainable development; describes
the South African context, as well as defines
areas for strategic intervention. The NFSD
complements current efforts aimed at reducing
poverty and growing the economy. It enhances
the need to coherence and consideration
of natural resource constraints and ecosystems
services.
The next steps towards
the development of a strategy will be informed
by phase II, which is about preparing and
planning for action, and includes the development
of a detailed action plan and the mobilisation
of the necessary resources. Phase III will
entail the process of roll-out, implementation,
monitoring and review. Both of which phases
will once again be closely informed through
multi-stakeholder dialogue.
To access the National
Framework for Sustainable Development (NFSD).
Click on the link www.environment.gov.za
Mava Scott (Acting Chief Director: Communications)
