31 October 2006
Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk today welcomed the results of the long
awaited review of the economics of climate change by the United Kingdom's Stern
Commission. It provides new momentum to the important round of negotiations to
be held in Nairobi from 6 to 17 November 2007. Minister van Schalkwyk will lead
the South African delegation to these negotiations which will focus on our
response to the burning issue of climate change.
Reacting to the Stern report, van Schalkwyk said, "The Stern review is a
clarion call to all world leaders especially those that still remain outside
the Kyoto fold, to acknowledge that the overwhelming scientific and economic
evidence requires urgent action. We have reached a point in the debate where
the scientific and economic case is so persuasive that failure to act is both
negligent and irresponsible. I trust the Stern report will also contribute to
the groundswell of pressure on those governments and corporations that still
hold our common global future hostage."
"The scientific case for stronger action on climate change has been long
established. There is broad scientific agreement that human induced climate
change is a reality and will have dramatic global impacts over the next few
decades."
"Given the broad scientific consensus, the Stern review takes the climate
debate to the next level. The scientific case and economic motivation for the
strongest possible international co-operation and action in addressing climate
change is now abundantly clear. The economic cost of inaction far outweighs the
cost of taking action."
"A strong message from the Stern review is that action on climate change
also holds opportunities. Rather than burying ourselves in despair over the
costs of action or the potential catastrophic effects of inaction, we have a
responsibility to explore and reap the benefits of combating climate change.
The Stern report gives impetus to businesses and governments to begin exploring
new sources of competitive advantage in clean and renewable technologies,
creating access to cleaner energy for development, reducing air pollution and
improving health and food security. Rather than viewing action on climate
change as a burden, the message is that action on climate change holds a myriad
of opportunities for investment."
"When Kyoto came into force it was seen as a major victory in our battle
against climate change. However, today we understand that the current Kyoto
regime is not nearly enough. The first commitment period of the Kyoto protocol
also ends in 2012. We understand that we all have to do much more under a
strengthened international climate change regime under the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its associated Kyoto
protocol. Developed countries have a historic, moral and economic
responsibility to lead global efforts to combat climate change and to assist
vulnerable countries to adapt to its devastating impacts. Though countries have
different responsibilities, we all, developed as well as developing, have a
common responsibility to act in accordance with our national capabilities."
"In addition to the various actions already implemented by the South African
government to mitigate against climate change and to adapt to its adverse
effects, we have also now initiated a long term climate change mitigation
scenario planning process. The outcomes will shape our climate policy for the
future and guide future investment in energy, transport, water, agriculture and
eco-tourism infrastructure amongst other things."
"South Africa stands ready to take on these challenges as an investment in
future generations."
Enquiries:
Riaan Aucamp
Cell: 083 778 9923
Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
31 October 2006
