Makhubo launches Joburg’s climate change plan
The City of Johannesburg has launched its climate change plan which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan aims to ensure that at least 70% of the city's commuters taking public transport, using bicycles and walking.
This is part of the Paris Agreement which was signed in 2016 as part of the United Nations framework convention to act on climate change.
South Africa is a signatory to the treaty that aims to reduce global warming to ensure sustainable development.
Mayor Geoff Makhubo launched the plan in Roodepoort on Thursday.
"We are reaffirming the reality that climate change a distant reality but a current threat that poses risk to the future development trajectory of our city.
ALSO READ: 17 Tshwane firefighters honoured for bravery at Bank of Lisbon fire
“The impact of climate change, such as extreme flooding, tornados, heat stress, and drought are already wreaking havoc in the city leading to the destruction of property and disruption of livelihoods.
"This will entail efforts by the national government in electricity generation, greening of the transport industry, but similar efforts taken by the city itself through greening our transport fleet, greening City Power electricity grid, greening and retrofitting buildings including the implementation of alternative waste and water management approaches," said Makhubo
The city plans to also want 35% of electricity consumed to be generated from renewable energy sources and new buildings run on net-zero emissions.
Makhubo described the plans as ambitious and bold but not impossible.
