The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality played a pivotal role in the development of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) Report entitled A framework for a Just Transition in South Africa and can develop the blueprint for others to follow, as a climate resilient city.
Presidential Climate Commissioner Dhesigen Naidoo, also a World Bank Senior Advisor, made these remarks at a workshop themed Building a Climate Resilient Nelson Mandela Bay at the ETC Conference Centre yesterday.
Nelson Mandela Bay is one of two pilot projects for the PCC, the other municipality is eThekwini.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has been drought-stricken for almost six years and experiences localised flooding from time to time.
“Before the end of 2023 the first phase of a blueprint for a climate resilient Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will be in place.
“Even though we do have plenty of reasons to feel sorry for ourselves, as a champion city, a champion province, and a champion country, we can use our current climate challenges as a turning point to invest in the environment. This will help us to overcome the impact of climate change.
“You have a remarkable set of resilient people in this city, which is a fantastic asset, along with the ecological beauty of this area.
“The business sector, local government and the private sector contributed generously towards the framework. The knowledge support you require is therefore not just on a global level, it is also local,” Commissioner Naidoo said.
Participants discussed Climate and Ecosystems, Low Carbon Economy and Governance during the breakaway sessions.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk said a mindset change is a requisite to fight climate change.
“The rich can fend for themselves if they do not have water, electricity or other resources. The poor cannot. It is our responsibility to provide solutions for them. Climate change must therefore have a pro-poor agenda.
“We owe it to our children and the next generation to leave the world a better place than we found it in.
“If we want to effectively deal with climate change and build climate resilience, we have to think differently.
“A narrow focus on filling potholes, tarring roads and housing delivery are just some of the basic services we must deliver. Yes, we must do it and do it well. However, we must be more strategic.
“What about long-term strategies like investing in nature to build climate resilience? Sustainable environmental strategies like minimizing waste on dumpsites, recycling and innovative waste management plans are just some of the issues on our to-do list,” Mayor Van Niekerk said.
The Presidential Climate Commission is an independent statutory advisory body established by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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