President Ramaphosa Calls for Enhanced Climate Resilience Amidst Challenges

President Ramaphosa concluded by affirming South Africa's commitment to building a more climate-resilient economy and society.

President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience measures in South Africa, emphasizing the growing impact of climate change on both the economy and society. In his weekly newsletter to the nation, President Ramaphosa addressed recent devastating floods in the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal, underscoring the necessity for proactive strategies to mitigate future risks.

Key Points Addressed by President Ramaphosa:

Economic and Social Impact of Climate Change:

President Ramaphosa underscored that climate change poses significant economic challenges, affecting sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining, and manufacturing.

He noted the strain on public finances due to reduced economic growth, increased disaster relief expenditures, and the broader impacts on infrastructure, health care, and education.

Climate Resilience Symposium:

The President highlighted the significance of the Climate Resilience Symposium, convening stakeholders from government, industry, academia, civil society, and climate experts. This symposium aims to scale up climate actions across South Africa’s economy and society.

He pointed out successful initiatives like the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, which has attracted substantial investments and bolstered the country's electricity grid.

Just Energy Transition and Decarbonisation:

President Ramaphosa discussed the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, outlining investments in green technologies such as green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and economic diversification.

He acknowledged the necessity of decarbonisation to align with global trends towards greener economies and meet international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Global Responsibility and Funding Support:

Emphasizing global solidarity, President Ramaphosa called on developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments to support climate actions in developing economies.

He stressed the importance of securing international funding for local adaptation and mitigation efforts and facilitating a just energy transition through inclusive industrial policies.

Accelerating Climate Action:

In response to the escalating frequency of extreme weather events, President Ramaphosa urged accelerated efforts to enhance climate resilience and manage public finances effectively to address climate shocks.

President Ramaphosa concluded by affirming South Africa's commitment to building a more climate-resilient economy and society. He emphasized the collaborative efforts across society and with international partners to achieve sustainable development goals and mitigate the challenges posed by climate change.

This newsletter reflects the government’s proactive stance on climate resilience and its efforts to navigate towards a sustainable and inclusive economic future amidst global climate challenges.