KZN experiencing effects of global warning, warns premier
Nomusa Dube-Ncube made the remarks at the BRICS Urbanisation Forum recently held in Durban.
KWAZULU-NATAL premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has said that the effects of climate change in the province are no longer only a theory but a reality.
The premier made the remarks at the BRICS Urbanisation Forum recently held in Durban.
The forum took place under the theme, ‘Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations’.
“We experienced some of the most devastating floods in our history in April 2022, which killed over 400 people and caused damage worth billions of rands. The challenge, therefore, for all of us is to act locally and to tackle our challenges by looking at what is happening globally,” she said.
The premier said she believes that the task of major emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa is to play a significant role in localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In national news: More than four million tourists visited SA in the first half of 2023
This includes implementing actions at the local level to address all the challenges related to sustainable development, urban resilience and rapid urbanisation.
“As part of BRICS, we, too, can play a leading role locally and impact globally in climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies.”
Dube-Ncube also believes that the meeting is an opportunity to cement the global partnerships for the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, sustainable urbanisation, continued investment in industrial decarbonisation and building of environments that are safe and healthy.
She said the gathering will help the province focus its attention on addressing urban resilience in the face of challenges faced, including climate change.
“As the province of KwaZulu-Natal, we are keen to learn from the experience and expertise of countries and states which are part of the BRICS forum but also those who may be outside today but who are part of this gathering.”
Also read: Enviro Fixers Durban North pop-up store helps clean-up initiative
She noted that as part of the developing world, South Africa was responsible for the least causes of climate change.
“But we have come to realise that when a house is burning, it is not only those who started the fire who have the responsibility to extinguish that fire.”
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
