South Africa's G20 Leadership to Advocate for Enhanced Global Climate Actions, Minister States
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Synopsis
South Africa aims to utilize its G20 presidency to advocate for stronger international commitments on climate action and sustainability, emphasized Minister Dion George during a G20 meeting. Key agenda items include biodiversity, waste management, and ocean conservation as the nation strives to address pressing global challenges.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa's G20 presidency focuses on climate action.
- Ambitious agenda includes biodiversity and waste management.
- Challenges like poverty and carbon emissions remain critical.
- Strategies to combat land degradation and plastic pollution.
- Future discussions planned for Kruger and Cape Town.
Johannesburg, March 26 (NationPress) South Africa is set to leverage its G20 presidency to foster more robust global pledges toward climate action and environmental sustainability, stated Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
During the inaugural virtual session of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) on Tuesday, George presented an ambitious agenda that emphasizes biodiversity, climate finance, waste management, and ocean conservation, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
With under five years left to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), George acknowledged that poverty and inequality remain significant global hurdles, exacerbated by the persistent rise in carbon dioxide emissions.
He emphasized, “The G20 can play a pivotal role in halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, aiming for a 'nature-positive world' for the benefit of both people and the planet. This initiative will build on the Brazilian presidency's focus on bioeconomy, addressing the impact of bioeconomy, nature, and wildlife economy on community livelihoods.”
The ECSWG, according to the minister, will also focus on combating land degradation, desertification, and drought through sustainable land management and regenerative practices that enhance biodiversity, soil health, and food production.
Furthermore, the third priority of the ECSWG centers on chemicals and waste management, with George highlighting the potential for the G20 to back the creation of a legally binding international treaty to tackle plastic pollution.
South Africa is also prioritizing climate change and air quality, while the final priority area addresses oceans and coasts, underscoring the significance of Marine Spatial Planning for better management of ocean space and marine resources.
He also mentioned that the ECSWG will persist in discussions throughout the year, with face-to-face meetings planned in July at Kruger National Park and in October in Cape Town, where delegates will finalize essential policy recommendations ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit.
