Cape Town - In preparation for the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen, South Africa is embarking on several programmes aimed at making sure that the country contributes positively to the debate on global warming.
"Ad hoc working groups on the Kyoto Protocol and on the Long-term Cooperation Action have prepared South Africa's position papers for the negotiations at Copenhagen in December 2009 including the post 2012 negotiations, stakeholders are being consulted on the positions," Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said on Tuesday.
Speaking during a media briefing by the Economic Sectors and Employment cluster Programme of Action (PoA) media briefing, Pandor added that work was underway on the so-called green jobs to identify new employment and industrial opportunities.
A task team has been established to develop the green jobs proposals and coordinate various government initiatives. Proposals were being developed for the domestic manufacture of solar water heating geysers.
Last week, Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica emphasised that South Africa's willingness to contribute to global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the country prepares for the Copenhagen summit.
