COP 17: Climate Change- Our World In Our Hands

PRE-COP 17 Seminars In June 2011, DAEARD (KZN Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development) hosted three COP 17 seminars which were held in Empangeni, Newcastle and Durban. The Department hosted the seminars on the challenges associated with Climate Change. This serves as a build-up to the COP 17 Summit which will be held in Durban from 28 November to 9 December The seminars created awareness and brought people together from communities, business, industries and stakeholders. The theme of the seminars is: COP 17: Climate Change- Our World In Our Hands

RESOLUTION OF THE THREE KZN PRE-COP17 SEMINARS (1) The resolution of these meetings were as follows: ⇒ The meeting acknowledged the threats posed by climate change, some of which are already being observed in their localities. For instance, the delays of the onset of rains impacts on agriculture, and more frequent occurrence of floods and drought are also being observed. ⇒ The meeting agreed that the government and all stakeholders have parts to play in arresting global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved by promoting cleaner means of production, transportation, energy- generation and the use of more efficient machineries. The populace needs to change its energy- wasteful lifestyles.

RESOLUTION OF THE THREE KZN PRE-COP17 SEMINARS(2) ⇒ The seminars welcome the Conference of Parties (COP17) on our shore and would use it to showcase our initiatives on Renewable Energy and Indigenous Knowledge in combating the impacts of Climate Change. ⇒ The seminars pronounced their climate action status to save and create life by harmonizing the relationship between people and the environment. To this effect, the seminars supported the planting of 40 trees to offset the 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted by delegates in the course of traveling to and from the seminar venues. The seminars resolved to act locally to effect combat Climate Change Impacts.

TowardsCOP 17,DurbanSouthAfrica Thank you for your support at the seminars

Climate Change skeptics have their say.