City of Joburg adapts to climate change

City of Johannesburg executive mayor, Mpho Parks Tau said the city is promoting the use of public transport, non- motorised transport and renewable energy to reduce climate change.

Welcoming guests to the opening of the C40 Cities Mayors Summit, Tau spoke about various measures Joburg has taken to alleviate and adapt to climate change.

He said the city is taking a decisive step towards transit-oriented development.

“We want to promote the use of public transport, bicycling and walking, and reduce our reliance on private vehicles.”

“Metrobus had taken delivery of two buses which use diesel and methane gas, with these buses, the city had started to convert its fleet to a dual fuelling system.

“The next fleet of buses will be dual fuel and the BRT fleet will also be converted and infuture, we intend to develop and produce fuel filters, conversion kits, for both the public and private vehicle sectors.”

Describing the Rea Vaya as a green transport flagship, Tau said the system has reduced emissions in the City.

“This currently saves around 380 000 tonnes of Co2 emissions per annum. Once fully implemented, 6 million tonnes of C02 will be saved by 2030.”

“Given the opportunity to speak at the seminar, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg thanked Johannesburg for its hospitality.

“The hospitality of this City is something none of us will be able to forget, we have seen the real and true city of Johannesburg and its beautiful people with their diverse cultures.

“Bing here is a great moment one can treasure for the rest of their lives.”

Mark Watts, executive director of the C40 tabled a research report which indicated that C40 cities have stepped up actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

“Since 2011, the number of climate actions taken by cities has almost doubled from 4700 to 8000. The scale of individual climate actions has also increased.”