KZN Climate Change & Sustainable Development Summit

KwaZulu-Natal hits stratospheric levels of discussions on the first day of the provincial climate change summit as issues of stakeholder involvement are thrust in the spotlight

DURBAN – Communities and the entire ecosystem are in harm’s way as a result of the effects of climate change caused primarily by the flagrant violation of the environment. This was the reason why mobilisation of communities and waste management issues topped the topics and discussion on the first day of the KwaZulu-Natal Climate Change and Sustainable Development Summit currently underway in Durban with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala bemoaning the total disregard of the pending disaster. Addressing the media at a joint press briefing on the sidelines of the conference, Zikalala and KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Nomusa Dube-Ncube said there was a great need to mobilise the communities to clean and keep the environment clean to mitigate ruinous climatological disasters.

 

“It must be clear that the scourge of plastic waste is a growing global concern and a huge threat to our biodiversity and marine ecosystem. Litter from plastic currently comprises 99% of coastal litter. Research predicts that by 2050, nearly all seabirds will have plastic in their stomachs,” warned Mr Zikalala.

 

Mr Zikalala said the communities are also taking a direct hit from climate change. He cited civic structures in the Durban South Basin who have have for years protested the pollution by the private sector in that part of our province in Wentworth, Clairwood, Montclair, Merebank and Bluff. “The recent disasters in KwaZulu Natal this year affected thousands of families, and resulted in 71 deaths and damage estimated at R1.1billion. The heavy rains and winds damaged roads, water and electricity infrastructure, homes, businesses and uprooted entire communities,” he said. Dube-Ncube concurred adding that introspection was needed to address the seemingly collapse of the initial efforts on provincial climate change council sustenance. “Tough questions need to be asked as to what are the main causes behind the subsequent lack of coherent co-ordination of the implementation of community based initiatives on climate change? Have we been able to engage the private sector and academics as government? We need to look into some of these issues with honesty and frankness,” she said Dube-Ncube and Zikalala were satisfied that many stakeholders have shown enthusiasm and that came across different sectors of the society society. “Some of the stakeholders have worked with us since [COP 17] 2011. I have no doubt that today they will highlight our shortcomings as government with the view of helping us to move forward as a united force,” said Dube-Ncube. Zikalala concurred saying this was a clear indication that, “despite challenges we have experienced, but stakeholders were still determined to forge ahead with the KwaZulu-Natal government agenda on climate change”

 

MEC Dube & KZN Premier at Climate Change Summit

 

The KZN Climate Change Summit