15 December 2009
South Africa is calling for Copenhagen to deliver a 2-track outcome: (i) 1 track for the outcome of negotiations under the Kyoto Protocol on further commitments by Annex I Parties for the 2nd and subsequent commitment periods - namely an amendment of Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol; and (ii) the 2nd track for the outcome of the negotiations under the convention.
In accordance with the science and in line with their historical responsibility for emissions, all developed countries must commit to ambitious, economy-wide legally binding emission reduction targets, of at least 40% reduction below 1990 levels by 2020. Annex 1 Parties to the Kyoto Protocol must take these commitments for the 2nd and subsequent commitment periods under the Kyoto track.
Annex 1 Parties that have not ratified the Kyoto Protocol (particularly the USA) must be brought into a framework of comparable legally binding emission reduction targets under the Convention track.
South Africa accepts that achieving the ultimate objective of the convention cannot be achieved by one part of the world on its own. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that both deep absolute cuts in Annex I countries and a decline in emissions relative to business as usual in some developing regions by 2020 and in all regions by 2050 is required to achieve the lowest stabilisation levels assessed, and prevent impacts on millions of people at risk, in particular the poor.
South Africa recognises that as a responsible global citizen, we want to take more action, not only because we have a responsibility for future generations, but also because the science tells us that we are very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While we insist on the right to development, we will do everything within our capability to achieve our development and poverty eradication objectives in the most sustainable manner possible. Given our unique circumstances, we consider that sustainable development policies and measures, which are development-oriented actions that have the co-benefit of avoiding emissions, are particularly appropriate nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs). The eradication of poverty and dealing with the legacy of Apartheid are fundamental national priorities which require that we have the space, time and resources to develop. The country is already undertaking significant mitigation actions in relation to: energy efficiency in commerce and industry; mechanisms to support the roll-out of renewables and alternative energies; working towards integrated rapid transit systems; and the role out of solar water heaters, including for poor households. However, without financial and technology support, it will not be possible to do more than what we are already doing.
On 6 December, President Jacob Zuma announced that South Africa would undertake a range of nationally appropriate mitigation actions. The extent of these actions depends on support by developed countries. With financial and technological support from the international community, these actions will enable the country’s emissions deviate below what we project business as usual emissions would have been in 2020, projecting forward from a starting year of 2003 - deviation by 34% below BAU by 2020 and by 42% by 2025.
This level of effort would enable emissions to peak between 2020 and 2025, plateau for approximately a decade and decline in absolute terms thereafter. We have demonstrated, through our study of mitigation potential in the long-term mitigation scenarios and through our assessment of our nation’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, our willingness and readiness to mitigate our emissions and to take action to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
A positive outcome in Copenhagen is central to our ability to enhance our action on climate change. The extent of the actions to be taken by South Africa, and other developing counties, will depend on the provision of support, from the international community for mitigation and adaptation actions, and in particular through finance, technology and support for capacity building from developed countries, in line with their commitments under both the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Bali Action Plan. It depends on us agreeing fair, ambitious and effective agreements in Copenhagen.
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
15 December 2009
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs (http://www.deat.gov.za/)
