In a media statement they say that South Africa, through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), will participate at the 26th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow, Scotland, from 31 October to 12 November 2021, under the Presidency of the United Kingdom.

Creecy adds that South Africa expects an outcome at COP26 that is negotiated in a transparent, inclusive, and balanced manner, with priority given to all core issues under the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. These include securing new commitments of support by developed countries for implementation of the Paris Agreement by developing countries, addressing both mitigation and adaptation.

Ahead of its participation in the international Climate Change talks, COP 26 in Glasgow, South Africa’s efforts to address the effects of climate change on people and the economy in a manner which leaves no one behind, received a firm nod from Cabinet, adds Creecy.

“The most recent governing body meeting of the climate investments fund made a decision to invite South Africa together with three other countries to participate in the accelerating coal transitioning coal investment programme. Accordingly, we have been asked to develop an investment plan to commence to return an indicative allocation of between 2- 5 000 US dollars from the clean technology fund. This allocation includes a 1 million dollar investment plan preparation grant so we can develop the plan,” says Creecy.

 “Our government is in the process of setting up a high-powered finance workstream focusing on our just transition which will develop this investment plan. We see the decision by the SiFF as small but a crucially important first step towards laying the foundation work for the broader financing programme of our just transition. The focus of this investment plan will be the Eskom energy transition, including repowering and repurposing a retired coal plant and investment in new, low carbon investment capacity. We hope to use the informal side of the meetings that take place at COP26 to generate further interest in supporting our country's just transition to a low carbon economy and a low climate society,” explains Creecy.

She concluded  by saying that  developing countries, including South Africa, cannot implement ambitious mitigation targets unless there is sustainable, cost-effective financing from the developed countries and other multi-lateral and philanthropic institutions.

OFM News/Lee Simmons