Deputy Chairperson, hon Minister Van Schalkwyk, Deputy Minister, hon members, as I have only three minutes, I shall concentrate my speech on environmental affairs.
The vision of the environmental component is "a prosperous and equitable society living in harmony with our natural resources." The strategic priorities - and I hope I don't bore you - that have been identified include addressing the climate change challenges and developing the appropriate policies and tools to address this threat; waste management systems and services; implementing an effective and efficient environmental impact management system nationally, whilst ensuring that ecosystems are sustained and resources are available to support livelihoods; and that green jobs are created to contribute to economic growth.
Deputy Chairperson, whilst there is an increase in budget allocations, in real terms, after factoring in inflation, there is only a 3,7% increase, most of which is allocated to the marine and coastal management component. This is cause for concern with regard to the enforcement of the environmental and conservation mandates. Abalone poaching has increased drastically, and not a day goes by when one does not read in the news of large consignments of poached abalone being discovered. Hake fish resources are also fast diminishing.
Poaching of indigenous species such as cycads and rhino has, according to the environmental component, increased fiftyfold, or 5000%.
South Africa's predominantly coal-based energy makes South Africa the leading polluting country on the African continent, and the 11th worst in the world. This means high levels of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to climate change. The adoption of strategies for alternate or renewable power supplies, such as solar, wind, hydropower and tidal waves, amongst others, must be utilised to reduce emissions and contribute to the resolution of the energy crisis. Whilst resources such as fossil fuels and water are declining, pressure is being exerted to allow mining in game reserves and parks, wetlands, and in and around world heritage sites and Wild Coast areas. More must be done, however, to eradicate poverty, as poverty eradication will uplift standards and improve environmental management.
Deputy Chairperson, the country is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change and its effects on human and natural systems are becoming evident. Changes in weather patterns, and increases and decreases in rainfall, are all evident. Some of the major impacts of the change and increasing variability of the climate include health issues, the spread of malaria, changes in the distribution and availability of water resources, changes in agriculture, and changes to biodiversity and ecosystems. It is imperative that strategies are implemented to deal with these critical issues. One of these would be if Mr Adams would also give up smoking, as he also helps to pollute the atmosphere! Thank you, Deputy Chair. [Applause.]