27 January 2009
The Western Cape Provincial Government is the first provincial authority on
the continent to pioneer a strategy and action plan in response to climate
change, says provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and
Development Planning Pierre Uys.
The Western Cape Provincial Strategy and Action Plan was launched on
Tuesday, 27 January 2009 in Milnerton. The main aim of this comprehensive
document is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses that speed up the
effects of global warming, to mitigate the resultant effects and
adaptation.
Premier Lynne Brown opened the event where leading climate change experts
gave a provincial overview, and Minister Uys unveiled the Western Cape Strategy
and Action Plan. Premier Lynne Brown and her cabinet approved the strategy and
action plan in November 2008. The strategy and action plan build on a study to
determine the susceptibility of the Western Cape to global warming that will
and is already affecting the province, and will be one of the most
detrimentally impacted regions of the country.
The Western Cape is leading the way provincially in an area of international
interest. Climate change affects everyone and all individuals need to work to
reduce, reuse and recycle in the common good of the region and the planet. Some
of the impacts that exposed the vulnerability of the Western Cape with its vast
shoreline are floods in areas like the Overberg and Southern Cape, unusual
spells of droughts with drier soils and reduced rainfall, conditions conducive
to big wildfires, declining water levels inland, long term rising of sea levels
and with extreme or erratic weather conditions. Even the Cape Floral Kingdom
came under pressure with fynbos dieback due to heavy rains in the Outeniqua
Mountains.
The Western Cape Provincial Government, the public and experts have joined
forces with the strategy and action plan to respond efficiently and effectively
to the challenges climate change brings and that would impact on wine and other
farming, tourism, environmental resources like scarce water and quality air as
well as trade across the province.
The Western Cape has already started various initiatives to reduce the
dependency on fossil fuels, harnessing alternative energy sources that are
renewable and sustainable, reducing waste, training teachers to assist the next
generations to deal with the new challenges and to recognise opportunities that
arise from a change in course.
This government also undertake exemplary action steps such as greening
offices or the workplace for savings, an energy audit with a view to reduce its
usage, putting up moveable ambient air quality monitoring stations across the
province, the roll out of 1000 solar geysers to poorer communities and
promoting renewable energy. As a caring and responsive government, the Western
Cape plans to play a leading stewardship role.
In this regard legislation may follow to ensure more sustainability, a green
procurement policy, a dedicated climate change unit in the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, a desk to deal with a clean
development mechanism and intergovernmental relation building to work towards
mitigation.
Focus will be on the poor and most vulnerable, partnerships, minimising the
adverse impacts, to position the province to take advantage of emerging
economic prospects, developing energy efficiency options and practical actions
(such as in land use and development planning and in constructing energy
efficient buildings).
âWe all have to change our behaviour, activities and attitudes. I challenge
every citizen to take hands with this provincial government in its target to
reduce our reliance on fossil fuels with 15% over about five years and increase
total consumption from renewable energy sources by 15%. Every one should reduce
personal consumption in this regard. We all have to adapt now,.âMinister Uys
says.
Enquiries:
Mr Cobus Grobler (media officer)
Cell: 073 133 7299
Minister Uys
Cell: 082 455 5144
Issued by: Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development
Planning
Date: 27 January 2009
