The South African government says the country will continue to play its part in tackling climate change.
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier says climate finance is one of Pretoria’s key priorities. Team South Africa has brought together stakeholders from government, business, civil society and academia at the COP31 climate talks in Antalya, Türkiye.
Team South Africa says its negotiators are working to ensure that the country’s priorities are reflected in high-level discussions. Maynier says South Africa is working with the African bloc and other negotiating groups to advance the interests of developing countries.
Maynier says, “Well, team South Africa is firmly focused as negotiations have opened on closing the finance gap. One of the early successes of our negotiating team was ensuring that what is called the climate financing working group was included on the agenda of COP, which I think was a huge victory for our negotiating team…
“We are now working very closely with the African group of negotiators, as well as the basic group of negotiators, and we are focused on three priorities. The first is tripling adaptation finance. The second is significantly replenishing the climate finance fund. and thirdly, looking at how we can bolster the loss and damage response fund. Ultimately, this is about mobilising more funding for developing countries to finance mitigation and adaptation programmes,” Maynier adds.
COP31 Summit | South Africa’s climate targets and legislation
Brand South Africa board trustee Lumko Mtimde says the fight against climate change should also create opportunities for development.
Mtimde says, “Brand South Africa is here as the key marketing agency of South Africa to ensure that the story of South Africa is told, including its resilience. But, over and above that, our key priority is to ensure that the work we do on climate change is developmental and speaks to socio-economic challenges. partnerships are key and critical.”
The business community is also represented at the talks. National Business Initiative CEO Shameela Soobramoney says the partnership with government is important in advancing South Africa’s climate goals.
Soobramoney says, “The main reason we are here is through our partnership with the DFFE, which is an indication of collaboration, partnership and the willingness of South Africans to work together. We also have technology. This is a partnership that has been going on for a number of years, and for business to support it through sponsorship is absolutely forward-thinking from that perspective.”
For Türkiye, the hope is that the talks will produce positive outcomes. Australia also has a significant responsibility as it leads the negotiations.
The climate talks are expected to conclude next week, with expectations high for meaningful progress as countries grapple with the far-reaching impacts of climate change.
COP31 focuses on Africa’s climate priorities