The City of Cape Town has been praised for its commitment to a cleaner and better carbon neutral future for all Capetonians. Carbon neutrality means introducing new technologies to completely clean up the fuels and activities that currently cause greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming, while enhancing our social, economic and environmental goals.
Along with other world cities, the City has made commitments to achieving the international goals set to limit global warming as well as adapting to the new reality that climate change brings. This is in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
‘As such, the City has done considerable work on making its operations more energy and waste efficient; on developing guidance on how to enable a cleaner built environment and development sector as well as laying the groundwork to diversify its energy mix away from the sole reliance on Eskom’s coal-fired power stations. It also aims to lead the way in the potential procurement from cleaner and cheaper Independent Power Producers. Interventions and actions must be inclusive and all our people need to have access to cleaner and more climate-smart options. It starts with small actions that could drive big results and change the current climate path we are on. Our focus is also on enhancing our overall resilience as a city, building on from our Resilience Strategy,’ said the City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato.
‘Cape Town’s ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 is a demonstration of leadership and a commitment to a better future. Through the Deadline 2020 commitment, Cape Town has joined other C40 cities around the world to deliver bold actions that transition the city towards carbon neutrality and climate resilience, while also ensuring the benefits of this transition are distributed equitably,’ said the Regional Director for Africa at the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Hastings Chikoko.
The City has committed to the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, which includes a call to limit global warming to below 1,5 degrees Celsius and to find ways of becoming more resilient and sustainable as we adapt to our new reality. One of the main contributors to global warming is greenhouse gas emissions from manmade sources, so reducing emissions by changing the way we live, work and exist together is vital for all of us.
A Climate Change Strategy, which provides strategic guidance on adaptation and mitigation, is currently out for public comment. A final Strategy as well as a Climate Action Plan, which outlines the pathway to achieving this, will be published next year. Achieving this carbon neutral goal requires that all residents, businesses, organisations and government play their part. Our Carbon Neutral 2050 brief is a first step in explaining how we can all collaborate to achieve this.
‘We became a world leader in water resilience and adaptation when we all collectively took up the challenge to avert Day Zero. We have stood together, the City, residents and businesses, and have implemented permanent behavioural changes. There is no doubt in my mind that we can do the same as we tackle the unfolding climate crisis. You and I can make a difference in our communities, neighbourhoods, schools, churches, sports and social clubs and workplaces. Small actions are going to be key. We all have a role to play, big or small but we do not have the luxury of doing nothing. Change comes when we make smarter choices. Be it choosing more climate-friendly appliances, travelling more responsibly, getting into the habit of recycling, using solar panels where possible, planting water-wise trees and speaking out as a consumer if you are unhappy about the resource efficiency of products and companies.
‘Pre-COVID-19, climate change was seen as one of the greatest risks for social advancement and economic growth. The last two years has seen the climate change and sustainability agenda gain new traction and take centre stage in many government policies across the world. The pandemic has highlighted the devastating economic impacts that global crises can have and has shown that planning for climate resilience and reducing emissions is increasingly important for all arms of government, institutions and businesses. As such, many countries have declared ‘green new deals’ as part of their post COVID-19 economic reconstruction plans for a more fair, sustainable and resilient future,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.
C40’s background
In support of the growing global momentum, Cape Town, along with three other metropolitan municipalities in South Africa (Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ethekwini) and over 100 cities worldwide, have signed up to C40’s Deadline 2020 programme, which aims to put cities on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and achieve carbon neutrality and climate resilience by 2050.
Cape Town also has an important role to play in helping South Africa meet its Nationally Determined Contributions in terms of the Paris Agreement.
Resources
- Our Carbon Neutral 2050 brief shows how we all have a role to play.
- The City’s draft Climate Change Strategy is also out for comment. It is available on the City’s website. Please visit www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay