TUESDAY, 01 november 2006:
Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk today welcomed
the results of the long awaited review of the
economics of climate change by the United Kingdom’s
Stern Commission. It provides new momentum to
the important round of negotiations to be held
in Nairobi from 6 to 17 November 2007. Van Schalkwyk
will lead the SA delegation to these negotiations,
which will focus on our response to the burning
issue of climate change.
Reacting to the Stern report,
Van Schalkwyk said:
“The Stern Review is a clarion
call to all world leaders, especially those that
still remain outside the Kyoto fold, to acknowledge
that the overwhelming scientific and economic
evidence requires urgent action. We have reached
a point in the debate where the scientific and
economic case is so persuasive that failure to
act is both negligent and irresponsible. I trust
the Stern Report will also contribute to the groundswell
of pressure on those governments and corporations
that still keep our common global future hostage.”
“The scientific case for stronger
action on climate change has been long established.
There is broad scientific agreement that human-induced
climate change is a reality, and will have dramatic
global impacts over the next few decades.”
“Given the broad scientific
consensus, the Stern Review takes the climate
debate to the next level. The scientific case
and economic motivation for the strongest possible
international cooperation and action in addressing
climate change is now abundantly clear. The economic
cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of taking
action”
“A strong message from the Stern
Review is that action on climate change also holds
opportunities. Rather than burying ourselves in
despair over the costs of action or the potential
catastrophic effects of inaction, we have a responsibility
to explore and reap the benefits of combating
climate change. The Stern report gives impetus
to businesses and governments to begin exploring
new sources of competitive advantage in clean
and renewable technologies - creating access to
cleaner energy for development, reducing air pollution,
and improving health and food security. Rather
than viewing action on climate change as a burden,
the message is that action on climate change holds
myriad opportunities for investment.”
“When Kyoto came into force
it was seen as a major victory in our battle against
climate change. However, today we understand that
the current Kyoto regime is not nearly enough.
The first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol
also ends in 2012. We understand that we all have
to do much more under a strengthened international
climate change regime under the UNFCCC and its
associated Kyoto protocol. Developed countries
have a historic, moral and economic responsibility
to lead global efforts to combat climate change
and to assist vulnerable countries to adapt to
its devastating impacts. Though countries have
different responsibilities, we all - developed
as well as developing - have a common responsibility
to act in accordance with our national capabilities.”
“In addition to the various
actions already implemented by the South African
Government to mitigate against climate change
and to adapt to its adverse effects, we have also
now initiated a long term climate change mitigation
scenario planning process. The outcomes will shape
our climate policy for the future and guide future
investment in energy, transport, water, agriculture,
and eco-tourism infrastructure amongst other things.”
“South Africa stands ready to
take on these challenges as an investment in future
generations.”
Riaan Aucamp
