THE eThekwini Municipality has welcomed Cabinet’s approval of the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said this would assist with accelerating the country’s response to the threats posed by climate change, and promote a climate resilient economy, a sentiment echoed by President Cyril Ramaphosa when announcing the Cabinet decision.
“Adaptation to climate change is imperative for economies of the global south, who are acknowledged to have heightened vulnerability,” Kaunda said.
“The adoption of appropriate responses and policies provides the opportunity for our country to continue driving its economic development agenda, in the face of uncertain change, while paving the way for the creation of strong institutions that will deliver and strengthen social pillars and build climate resilient societies.” He said the municipality had a long history in climate change adaptation planning and advocacy. Its efforts date back as early as 2004, with the development of the Municipal Climate Change Programme.
“This played a pivotal role in the city’s international recognition as a climate change leader.”
In 2010 the City commissioned the Buffelsdraai Landfill Community Reforestation project, as an offset to the carbon emissions associated with the hosting of the FIFA World Cup that year. “This community-based program has created jobs and green entrepreneurs.”
He said the city further demonstrated its leadership in 2011, by becoming the first city in the African continent to host the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17).
“It was during this sitting, that the Durban rallied with cities from around the world, to establish the Durban Adaptation Charter (DAC), which recognised the role that cities and local governments have in driving and delivering on national commitments at a local level.
“EThekwini Municipality has continued to be at the cutting edge of climate change action, assisted by its progressive leadership and engagement within strategic partnerships at local, national and international levels. Hence the City, through its partnership with C40 Leadership Group (C40), has become the first city in the African continent to develop and adopt a Climate Action Plan, responsive to the objectives outlined within the United Nations 2015 Paris Agreement,” said Kaunda who is also the C40 Vice-Chair for the African Region.
The plan will be launched tomorrow, 3 September 2020.
