Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy says COP28 comes at the time where many countries are grappling with challenges of climate change.
Speaking during the stakeholders meeting ahead of the climate change summit in the United Arab Emirates later this year, the minister says South Africa is still committed to tackling climate change challenges.
Climate Change is one of the biggest challenges facing particularly developing countries.
Spotlight on Climate Change Bill recently passed by Parliament: Min. Barbara Creecy
While there have been promises made to help developing nations Creecy says the implementation is a huge challenge.
“Finance that is a major cause of distrust between developed countries and developing countries. We are now told at COP28, the 100-billion-dollar fund will be realised but we have been told that before so we will see.”
Creecy says South Africa is pushing for bold action against climate change.
The current global political challenges have become a major factor in relation to loss and damage funding.
Creecy says preparations are at an advanced stage for COP28.
“The incoming COP President will be giving us an overview on where we are with regard to important issues of course negotiations. Myself and my Danish counterpart have been working since August.”
The country is also calling for implementation of the loss and damage fund as agreed in Egypt last year during the COP27 climate change conference.
Climate Change and Air Quality Deputy Director General, Maesela Kekana says, “This is where we need to correct what did not work out. Cause correct is name of the game in COP28 through this global stock take.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the climate summit in Dubai in the UAE in December.
