South Africa emphasises need for successful climate change talks

Ms Edna Molewa
Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs

South Africa emphasises need for successful climate change talks

South Africa has emphasised the need for a successful outcome to the climate change talks in order to protect the African continent against coastal flooding.

The head of the South African delegation for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17), Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, in a statement made available to reporters on Tuesday, stressed that COP17 must provide opportunity for both South Africa and the African continent to ensure that Climate Change and associated changes in climate patterns do not threaten development.  

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP17 is scheduled to take place in Durban from November 28 to December 09, 2011.

“The outcome of COP17/CMP7 must ensure that all countries acknowledge that the effects of climate change on the planet, its people and economies are not ignored and that all have a responsibility to save tomorrow today,” said Molewa.

Furthering Africa’s development

Current projections indicate that by 2080 about 70 million people and up to 30 per cent of Africa ’s coastal infrastructure could face the risk of coastal flooding because of sea level rise, putting at risk the development strides that the continent has achieved in the last decade

“South Africa is carrying the hopes and aspirations of Africa and the developing world to succeed in keeping the Kyoto Protocol as part of future climate regime, as we negotiate an outcome of the negotiations under the conventions.  A global response presents an opportunity for Africa to further its sustainable development objectives," said Molewa.

Pre-COP17 Summit

Ms Molewa will host a pre-COP17 Summit on the eve of the COP17.

The Summit will take place on November 22, 2011 and will comprise of participants from the various provincial government Departments. 

Some of the key areas that will be on the Summit agenda include; the National Climate Change Response White Paper, the SA Negotiating Position and the Climate Change Response EXPO.

As Head of the South African Delegation for COP17, Molewa is entrusted with the responsibility of leading the South African delegation in pursuing the country’s interest at the UNFCCC, COP 17/CMP 7 negotiations. 

PR/Williams