Johannesburg – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi expressed confidence that Gauteng has transitioned from addressing climate challenges through an “ad hoc programme” to a more permanent initiative led by a dedicated team and department.
“I am proud to be the first premier in the entire country to establish a department dedicated to climate change,” he said.
Looking to the future, Premier Lesufi identified two critical areas for Gauteng’s socio-economic development: climate change and artificial intelligence.
“If we can’t adapt to these two challenges, we risk losing the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in society,” said Premier Lesufi, who made his remarks at the Gauteng Climate Change Indaba.
The gathering was held at the Birchwood Hotel’s OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg last week.
Premier Lesufi emphasised the importance of Gauteng’s central role in the country’s economy, saying: “We must step up to seize the benefits or risk losing out in these processes.”
He highlighted the urgent need for action, explaining to the Gauteng climate change team that the profound effects of climate change mean they have a responsibility to protect their society.
Premier Lesufi said the team must plan for the future and align themselves with current realities.
“The cost of inaction on climate change in South Africa is enormous [job losses, collapse of agricultural production and public infrastructure through drought and floods],” said Premier Lesufi.
“We cannot afford to fail, especially with so many expectations from our people and institutions that rely on us to fulfil their aspirations.
“In the fight against climate change, failure is not an option.”
Premier Lesufi said Gauteng “needs to have the skills and the infrastructure to migrate and adapt to” using electric vehicles by 2030 to reduce climate-change-causing carbon emissions.
“One day, we want to tell our grandchildren that we contributed to these ideas [climate change reducing innovations].”
About the writer: Emmanuel Koro is a Johannesburg-based international award-winning journalist who writes independently on environmental and developmental issues.
