Friday 15 November 2013 saw the second WWF South Africa Living Planet Conference in Johannesburg.
WWF is a global network that tackles environmental issues, and the conference was attended by key players who engaged, presented challenges and offered a way forward to some pressing matters surrounding our country and planet.
The seven-hour long conference, led by WWF South Africa chairperson Valli Moosa, involved the likes of Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies, business leader Bobby Godsell, and Environmental Affairs Deputy Director-General Fundisile Mketeni, who attended in Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa’s absence.
The leaders voiced opinions on crucial issues such as the scarcity of black rhinos (there are currently 5 000 left in Africa) and climate change, as well as other environmental and economic challenges facing our country.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom, however. Moosa gave a reminder of the outstanding growth of renewable energy development in South Africa. According to Moosa, “South Africa is currently the major centre for renewable energy production in the world.”
He also explained how the WWF has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to encourage South African industrialists to become more competitive in going green, a gesture welcomed by WWF South Africa CEO Morné du Plessis.
Said Du Plessis, “The South African economy may well be becoming less carbon-intensive. The WWF would like to see that sustained, but that needs a more strategic approach.
“I was encouraged to hear Minister Rob Davies sounding optimistic about the growth of the green economy. We would like to see the government increase incentives in the green economy, which would help the long-term sustainability of our country.”
A panel took to the stage after lunch to discuss the topic, “Exploring a resilient and inclusive economy.” The panel consisted of civil society and trade union activist Gino Govender; National Treasury Deputy Director-General Ismail Momoniat; chairperson of the board of trustees at the New LoveLife Trust and ITNA Mpho Makwana; and Sue Lund, general manager: public policy and sustainability at Transnet.
Under discussion was how South Africa can invest in environmental sustainability, and how the general public should be updated and included in these developments.
Thereafter Manisha Gulati, Malango Mughogho and Deon Nel of WWF South Africa closed off with presentations titled, “Food-Water-Energy Nexus”; “Carbon, Water, Renewables and Financial Markets”; and “Ecological Boundaries and a Resilient Economy”.
It was certainly a conference that challenged everyone’s thoughts on the ever-changing climate, which may affect future generations.
Visit the WWF South Africa Facebook page for more comments and coverage of the conference.