The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says the South African government is committed to contribute in finding solutions to the problem of global warming. Minister Davies was speaking at the World Wide Fund Living Plan conference which took place in Johannesburg today.
“We are faced with prospects of catastrophic human-induced climate change. We are seeing extreme weather conditions across the world. The effects of global warming will be catastrophic. And these will be felt particularly in the developing world, including South Africa. So as government we are committed to be good global citizens and to contribute in finding solutions to the problem of global warming. We are undoubtedly in support of sustainable development,” said Davies.
He added that the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) believe that finding solutions to global warming and climate change required the reduction of carbon missions. This reduction should not undermine the prospects of industrialisation and development in the developing world.
The developing world, the African continent in particular, must seize opportunities that arise from the new technological developments and job-creation. “There is an industrial revolution going on in the world and one of the components of that industrial revolution is the introduction of green technologies.
During the last technological wave of industrial development, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), we were largely consumers and users of technology developed and products manufactured somewhere.
This time we are working hard to make sure that the South African and African manufacturers become part of that technological wave. We must be the manufacturers of the technologies, not just users of somebody else’s technology,” said Davies.
According to the Minister the government’s focus on the green economy was the basis for a lot of policy positioning in the country’s economic cluster. “This is most evident in the area of green energy. It is no accident that the green economy was identified as one of the six job drivers in the New Growth Path. It’s got a particular focus.
We have seen in the area of renewable energy services delivered to people that did not have them before. Many low income houses now have solar water heaters. Those people never had hot water before but they are enjoying access to hot water now. That’s something that has emerged from green technologies,” said Davies.
Minister Davies also said there were many small black-owned enterprises that were involved at least in the installation of that kind of equipment. the dti, he said, was trying its best through designation and standard-setting to ensure that local businesses gained a share in the manufacture of the green technology products.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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