Changes in rainfall patterns. Rising sea levels. Global warming. Severe storms. Floods. Droughts. These are some of the effects of climate change on our beloved city and the planet at large.
Climate change can’t be ignored. Not when we can feel and see its effects all around us and have already experienced some of the economic, social and environmental impacts.
Capetonians are familiar with the impact of climate change due to the drought we experienced in recent years. But, by working together, we reduced water use by 50% in record time to avoid the worst. No other city in the world has managed to achieve this. This kind of collaborative action is what we need to become stronger, more resilient and to help reduce the impacts of climate change. So, Let’s ACT. For a Stronger Cape Town.
What is the City doing?
In support of the growing global momentum to tackle climate change, Cape Town – along with cities in South Africa and worldwide – has committed to working to achieve the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality and climate resilience by 2050. The City has in place many programmes that drive climate action and is working towards growing these.
Adaptation
In the adaptation and resilience work area, projects include:
- improving our water resilience
- conserving our biodiversity and protecting coastal areas
- enabling appropriate nodal development.
Mitigation
To reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, our mitigation efforts include:
- driving energy efficiency in our own municipal operations
- moving towards net zero carbon buildings
- developing our own clean energy generation
- procuring energy from Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
- enabling small scale embedded generation (SSEG)
- reducing and diverting waste
- building an efficient transport network.
Actions you can take in your home or workplace:
- Switch off non-essential lights
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances
- Reduce, re-use, recycle and make compost
- Reduce water usage
- Plant indigenous, water-wise plants
- Walk or cycle to the local shop
- Invest in a solar PV system or solar water heater
- Start or support a neighbourhood food garden
- Teach children about living more sustainably
- Buy sustainably sourced and organic food where possible.
People of the Mother City, let’s make changes to how we do things. Let’s find new ways to tackle climate change, together. Join the movement today: Let’s ACT. For a Stronger Cape Town.
For more information, visit the City of Cape Town’s website: www.capetown.gov.za/ClimateChange
Picture: Supplied