Pretoria - The South African government remains committed to contribute in finding solutions to the problem of global warming, as its effects will be felt particularly by the developing countries, says Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.
Speaking at the World Wide Fund Living Plan Conference, which took place in Johannesburg on Friday, Davies said the world is faced with prospects of catastrophic human-induced climate change.
“We are seeing extreme weather conditions across the world. The effects of global warming will be catastrophic … so as government we are committed to be good global citizens and to contribute in finding solutions to the problem of global warming. We are undoubtedly in support of sustainable development,” said Davies.
Davies comments comes as the world is still reeling after the world’s worst Typhoon Haiyan, which swept through the south-eastern parts of Philippines last week killing over 10 000 people.
In light of this, Davies believes that finding solutions to global warming and climate change requires the reduction of carbon missions.
However, this reduction should not undermine the prospects of industrialisation and development in the developing world, as they still need to seize opportunities that arise from the new technological developments and job-creation.
He called on South African and African manufacturers to become part of the green technological wave.
“We must be the manufacturers of the technologies, not just users of somebody else’s technology,” said Davies.
Davies says his ministry was trying its best through designation and standard-setting to ensure that local businesses gained a share in the manufacture of the green technology products.
According to Davies, government’s focus on the green economy was the basis for a lot of policy positioning in the country’s economic cluster.
“It is no accident that the green economy was identified as one of the six job drivers in the New Growth Path. It’s got a particular focus. We have seen in the area of renewable energy services delivered to people that did not have them before.
“Many low income houses now have solar water heaters. Those people never had hot water before but they are enjoying access to hot water now. That’s something that has emerged from green technologies,” added Davies. – SAnews.gov.za
