Hon Chairperson, the National Consultative Seminar on Climate Change was a welcome initiative convened by this Parliament to discuss the vexing issues facing both the world and South Africa in tackling what has often been described as the greatest challenge facing our generation.
On an international level it is clear that we are far away from finding a global deal that can avert the disastrous outcome of a world that is. On two degrees warmer a domestic level I believe that we have instituted a comprehensive approach to give life to the commitments that we have made at the Copenhagen Summit. Let us have no illusions, though, for meeting these commitments is not going to be easy and all sectors of society will have to take some difficult actions, which could well impose pain on our economy. If we do not pay attention to the sequencing of actions, we could also end up with unintended consequences, such as the tragically ironic closure of solar water heater manufacturers that greeted us last week.
It is evident to me, however, that Parliament is very good at consulting but it is not very good at showing leadership. I say this as a member of the subcommittee to green Parliament. This has been a frustrating position to be in and despite the fact that I have given a detailed proposal in June, we still have not seen even preliminary work being done on this one week before the Conference of Parties, Cop, is due to be held. Shockingly, we are still handing out bottled water at committees despite banners proclaiming the greening of Parliament.
I therefore want Parliament to commit to taking this issue seriously and giving the assurance that a comprehensive greening programme will be run - even if it is only once the media dust has settled on the Durban Cop. The public deserves to see leadership from this institution and we must show sustained political will and commit actual resources to turning this institution into a leader of walking the talk around climate change. [Applause.]
Thank you, Chairperson.