Durban - ActionSA says the success of any policy taken by the country will depend on the political will of those in power, and the challenges associated with climate change demand such a will.
The point was made by Hluphi Gafane on Wednesday, during the second day of ActionSA’s policy conference under way in Gauteng, which is attended by delegates from all parts of the country.
The ActionSA member warned of the real danger posed by climate change, indicating that South Africa could face a crisis similar to that of other countries.
“Here's the hard truth, climate change is not a distant problem; it's a clear and present danger that exacerbates all other challenges we face. It's a threat multiplier. If we don't act now, we risk leaving an uninhabitable world for our children and grandchildren. So, it's our duty to convince our electorate that tackling climate change is not just an environmental obligation, but a pathway to a more sustainable and equitable society. We must unite under this cause, for the sake of our planet and for the future of our community,” said Gafane.
The party’s senate member cited the recent devastation experienced in Libya as an illustration of the global challenge of climate change.
Gafane told delegates how rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have intensified extreme weather events like floods.
“It is a stark reminder that the consequences of our actions, or inactions, ripple across borders and affect innocent lives. As we grieve, let us also commit ourselves to urgent climate action to prevent more such tragedies,” Gafane continued.
According to the ActionSA senate member, political will is the backbone of any transformative change.
“As a political party, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to address the climate crisis, even when it seems like there are more immediate concerns.”
According to Gafane, the party has spent the past few months engaging in dialogues and research with experts, members of the party and the overall public, in a quest to find suitable solutions to the negative impacts on our environment which have led to an increased climate crisis.
ActionSA delegates are engaged in discussions which started with party leader Herman Mashaba opening the conference on Tuesday. The party members are aiming to emerge with a policy document that will form part of their elections manifesto next year.