South Africa: Sustainably Developed

This afternoon at the World Climate Summit, we have the pleasure of sitting with not only politicians, corporates and scientists - but also an engineer - to thrash out what exists - and is available - for South African citizens to be GREENER. 

Moderated by the venerable Kevin James, CEO of the Global Carbon Exchange.

Saliem Fakir, who heads up the Living Planet Unit at the World Wide Fund for Nature and Dr Mathew Phosa, Treasurer-General of the ANC and Chairman of Vuka Forestry Holdings, were also present at the debate.

Dr Bruno Sanchez, of the Global Adaptation Institute at Ernst & Young, has won a World Bank award for his open data solution for measuring carbon footprints among consumers:

"The advent of the mobile phone opens up a new world of access to consumer carbon footprinting and the product market can take the lead in this field."

Simon Gear, CEO of Kijani, 50/50 lead anchor and Primedia weather / climatology presenter:

"Mitigation is vital, but as it has not happened, adaptation is the other skill humans are very good at, that can at least save a very fair number of us, as the politicians have failed.

"The total carbon emisions of the globe is the only way to measure the success of the Congress of the Parties meetings. As a scientist, I can say there has been no success whatsoever, as emissions are getting worse - not better.

"To be honest, mitiation across the globe cannot really be measured, but the benefits are immediate and local. The real message here is that we won't turn around and become greener until we have to. Thus, if the oil price increases fast anough, we may yet be saved."

"As a climatologist, I'm horrified at how terrified scientists are at the figures: massive environmental challenges - whether due to climate or lack of resouces. Educate, house, supply water - just do your day jobs better."

Kevin Pillay, Vice-President, Infrastructure at Siemens:

"I believe the climate adaptation war will be hardest fought in the world's cities, where no metropolitan dweller wants to let go of any of their urban luxuries. City populations will increase by 1.5 billion people in the next 5 years, they consume 75% of the world's energy, and emit 50% of the world's greenhouse gases. The challenge and dilemma versus all the answers: both reside in cities.

"Everybody's talking carbon footprint, but not well-being footprint. We need a lot more stakeholders at the table. Technology is just a driver, it can do nothing on its own. The real driver is BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE.

"Renewable energy technologies, proper transport systems, smart grids (buildings) and climate leadership in ALL INDUSTRIES are direly needed, as well as skills, time, and investment with deliberate intent."

Ruben Janse van Vuuren, Environmental Manager for English Africa:

"End-of-life of electronic equipment is IT industry's issues, as more than 150000 tons of electric waste is dumped in SA alone every year. E-waste needs a cradle to cradle approach, even though IT only emits 2% of global GHG's. There's more gold in 1 tonne of electronic waste than in 17 tonnes of gold ore."

Auduence comment from Mpumalanga lady:
"Soil erosion, genetically modified seeds into Africa - we need to also protect the invasion of science into agriculture."

Jeunesse Parks, Food & Trees for Africa:
"Dr Phosa, how do we finance mitigation / adaptation projects?"

Dr Phosa's response: "The rural homeless, hungry and poor need capacity built for them - form the bottom of the pyramid - by government with their funding. Secondly, NGOs in SA have run out of money, but I don't know how these should be funded. But it's all a question of leadership - from NGOs, government doing its best, and business with its huge area of incluence pushing hard for change in themselves."

Kevin James' closing recital: "Stop segregating energy, water, agriculture - it is all inter-related. Consumers, change the 10 kilometres around you - don't wait for government / business!"