Mpumalanga: Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has urgently called for global leaders to address climate action and provide the necessary support for mitigation and adaptation. Singh was speaking during the second Group of 20 (G20) Environment and Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga.

According to South African Government News Agency, Singh reiterated the urgency of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing that we are less than five years away from the deadline. He noted that poverty levels are worsening, pollution from hazardous chemicals is increasing, and greenhouse gas emissions reached record highs last year.

Singh highlighted the need for accelerated efforts, stating that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is focusing on solidarity, equality, and sustainability. The Presidency has outlined an ambitious agenda for the Working Group, expanding the priorities into six distinct areas of focus, including climate change and air quality.

During this five-day meeting, delegates from G20 member nations will address key priorities such as biodiversity and conservation, land degradation, chemicals and waste management, air quality, oceans and coasts, and climate change, with an emphasis on Just Transitions. Singh explained that Just Transition includes energy transition, adaptation, resilience, loss and damage, and mitigation within the context of low-carbon economic development.

Singh indicated that the G20 process provides an opportunity to expedite climate action and support, as highlighted by the first global stocktake. South Africa aims to explore ways for the G20 to increase climate finance flows.

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of supporting developing economy countries in achieving Just Transitions through low-cost finance, technology, capacity development, and skills transfer. He emphasized the potential of the blue economy to contribute to coastal communities’ livelihoods and address climate change, while noting the threat of plastic pollution to marine environments.

Singh announced that the final meetings of the Working Group and Ministerial sessions will be held in Cape Town in October, followed by the G20 ECSWG Ministerial meeting, where the Ministerial Declaration and other deliverables will be presented.