Chairperson, global warming and climate change are a fact and upon us. Global temperatures are expected to increase by between 1,8C and 4C by the year 2100. This, we are advised, will cause both rapid and profound changes in our global climate if measures are not immediately implemented to reduce and eliminate the causes thereof.
It is within this context that the UN Climate Change Conference and Conference of the Parties were established for the global community to unite to take cognisance of this and to work together towards a solution in respect of global warming and climate change.
COP 16 sought to draw a line in the sand and, in fact, gave the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change an ultimatum that unless immediate effective and co-ordinated action was taken against climate change, the world, its people, its ecosystems and, in fact, all life upon earth would face irreversible and irreparable harm.
COP 16 realised the need for a co-ordinated, global, political and policy- driven approach in order to address these problems effectively, and this was one of its main priorities. Delegates from 196 member countries were joined by private companies, NGOs and other interested stakeholders in finding a realisable solution to global warming.
From a South African perspective, we as the IFP wish to see a firm resolve from government in this regard, by way of an unwavering commitment to the reduction of carbon emissions, the adoption of and transition towards a green and sustainable energy future, and the development of full implementation of the green economy strategy.
In conclusion, we understand that the challenges facing such a transition to a greener energy future are many and varied, but these must be confronted and overcome if we are to leave a habitable and sustainably resourced planet to future generations. Thank you.