Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kristin Engel
Published on 2024-03-13 10:35:08
Climate change has become a permanent item on the Western Cape government’s agenda, marking a significant step towards streamlining climate governance in the province. This decision, adopted on 6 March, comes in response to the recent onslaught of climate-related disasters that have impacted the region.
The Western Cape is facing the prospect of becoming drier, hotter, and experiencing more severe storms and droughts in the coming years. The province has already grappled with various climate-related challenges over the past year.
Anton Bredell, the MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, along with Ivan Meyer, the MEC for Agriculture, announced the inclusion of climate change as a permanent agenda item during the inaugural Western Cape Climate Change Indaba held in Cape Town on 9 March. This move was welcomed by officials and stakeholders at the event.
The goal is to adopt a “whole-of-society” approach to address climate change in the province, shifting away from relying solely on the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA & DP) and the Department of Agriculture. By integrating climate change into the provincial cabinet’s agenda, decision-makers aim to ensure a more comprehensive and coordinated response to the challenges posed by climate change.
According to Bredell, the decision to add climate change to the cabinet agenda was the result of ongoing efforts to mainstream the issue across all government departments. He emphasized the cross-cutting nature of climate change, affecting various aspects of governance such as urban planning, infrastructure development, and natural resource management.
The Western Cape has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of climate extremes, including heatwaves and floods triggered by erratic rainfall patterns. These events have resulted in significant infrastructure damage, economic losses, and disruptions to communities across the province.
Gerhard Gerber, head of the DEA & DP, highlighted the devastating impacts of these climate extremes on both the environment and society. The province has witnessed unprecedented floods and wildfires, which have eroded the developmental gains achieved in recent years.
Bredell pointed out that the province’s susceptibility to climate-related hazards is exacerbated by its coastal location and highly variable climate regime. The recent flooding events in June and September last year left a trail of destruction, displacing people, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting livelihoods.
The decision to integrate climate change into the cabinet agenda is seen as a critical step towards securing the necessary resources and funding to address the growing threats posed by climate change in the Western Cape. By prioritizing climate change on the policy agenda, the government aims to better protect communities and build resilience to future climate shocks.
In conclusion, the inclusion of climate change as a permanent item on the Western Cape government’s agenda reflects a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate. It signals a commitment to prioritizing climate action and resilience-building in the face of growing climate-related risks.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
