A Call for A Sustainable, Climate Resilient Future

This morning we woke up to the news the death toll in Libya has now climbed to over 5000 people, while than 10,000 people remain missing and feared dead due to devastating floods caused after a dam burst during Storm Daniel. Let me therefore convey that our thoughts and condolences go out to the affected families.

As we deliberate on the draft proposals on climate change and the environment we are sadly confronted by the link between this heart-wrenching event and the larger global challenge of climate change. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have intensified extreme weather events like these floods. It is a stark reminder that the consequences of our actions, or inactions, ripple across borders and affect innocent lives. As we grieve, let us also commit ourselves to urgent climate action to prevent more such tragedies.

Ladies and Gentlemen let’s talk about political will—the backbone of any transformative change. As a political party, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to address the climate crisis, even when it seems like there are more immediate concerns. I understand that many of our constituents are grappling with pressing issues—healthcare, jobs, education.

But here’s the hard truth: climate change is not a distant problem; it’s a clear and present danger that exacerbates all other challenges we face. It’s a threat multiplier. If we don’t act now, we risk leaving an uninhabitable world for our children and grandchildren. So, it’s our duty to convince our electorate that tackling climate change is not just an environmental obligation but a pathway to a more sustainable and equitable society. We must unite under this cause, for the sake of our planet and for the future of our community.

ActionSA has spent the past few months engaging in dialogues and research with experts, members of the party and the overall public, in a quest to find suitable solutions to the negative impacts on our environment which have led to an increased climate crisis.

We have found intervention areas such as, but not limited to,

  • Biodiversity Conservation
  • Carbon Emission Reduction
  • Responsible Development
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Climate Governance

These are the fundamental key areas which need to be addressed, laws adopted, and regulations implemented.

South Africa being an environmentally diverse country, rich in natural resources, wildlife, agricultural land and a four seasonal climate, should be at the forefront leading the combat against the negative Climate Change threat.

We have found that whether it be local, or at an international scale, Climate Change impacts our ways of living, and consequently impacts our economic growth. It is vital to ensure that environmental protection and sustainability is an educational priority which should be addressed from foundation phase of our education system, employment spaces, and an overall daily life!

To achieve an economic benefit and healthy environment for all, the government will need to work hand in hand with communities and businesses in ensuring regulations are enforced, and all stakeholders abide lawfully.

The welfare of animals is essential as they play a role in our society, it be domestic, wildlife or livestock, therefore a dedicated legalised management should be a priority in ensuring they are protected.

Green energy is health care, and quality life.

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