Hon Chairperson, it is undoubtedly unarguable that global warming and climate change are two of the greatest challenges of our time. Whilst we continue to intensify the campaign and to build carbon-free cities, it is of vital importance that the Greening the Nation programme implementation be crucial to all provinces. Whilst it addresses the issues of job opportunities and poverty alleviation, it equally plays a crucial role in protecting our environment.
South Africa can be proud of the fact that we are playing a very important role in protecting our environment. However, we still have to deal with polluting the atmosphere with our coal and it is absolutely imperative to look for alternatives.
Durban is going to be the venue for the international conference, and hopefully the conference will bring about changes for the betterment of eThekwini and Africa as a whole.
It is very important that the world takes a very strong stand against the unpredictable weather. The recent cold spell and the possible melting of glaciers are going to have a very serious effect, not only on the world's climate, but on the world economy, where they are going to create turbulence and disturbances throughout the world, and emerging countries like South Africa will suffer tremendously.
Therefore the MF urges South Africa to provide effective, strong and great leadership, so that nature here and the natural environment as a whole can be protected. Let's look to the future. Stop, think, and go green. Thank you.