By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, spoke at the Future of Sustainability Conference in Fourways. He highlighted how global issues like climate change and resource scarcity are affecting economies and our health.
Singh emphasized the need for a united effort. Countries must work together—on local, national, and international levels—to tackle these challenges. He discussed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and noted that the environmental sector plays a crucial role in eight of the 17 goals. About 70% of these goals focus directly or indirectly on the sustainability of our natural resources.
“While some SDGs have made great strides in the last 11 years, others are lagging behind,” Singh explained. He raised concerns about financing for these goals. There’s a risk that funds could be diverted to other priorities, potentially slowing down South Africa’s progress on the SDGs.
South Africa stands at a critical juncture. It has rich natural resources but also faces severe challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment. It’s essential to ensure that the wealth from these resources benefits everyone.
Singh pointed out the need for better coordination among institutions and clearer accountability to improve environmental governance. He stressed, “To tackle climate change effectively, we need strong measures for our economy and communities.” The department is working on various initiatives to help the country cope with climate impacts, including consultations on Carbon Budget regulations aimed at holding major polluters accountable.
These discussions will lead to public comment on sectoral emission targets, a vital step in turning the Climate Change Act into actionable commitments. The department is also training local municipalities on how to integrate climate adaption into their planning efforts. This work focuses on safeguarding vulnerable communities from extreme weather events.
Singh mentioned that adaptation scenarios are being developed to guide planning in the country. He highlighted the creation of an intergovernmental working group focused on climate change. This group will unite various stakeholders and provide advice on a fair transition to greener practices.
In line with this transition, South Africa is piloting projects in green hydrogen and low-carbon steel, attracting investment from both development finance institutions and private investors. Singh concluded that modernizing the country’s regulatory frameworks is crucial for effective environmental governance, ensuring that systems are transparent and responsive to the needs of people and the planet.
This approach aligns with global trends; a recent report from the United Nations indicates that over 1.5 billion people are heavily impacted by climate-related issues. This underscores the importance of Singh’s emphasis on collective action and local solutions. Taking decisive steps today can pave the way for a sustainable future tomorrow.
For more insights, you can explore the [United Nations Sustainable Development Goals report](https://sdgs.un.org/goals).
