South Africa on Thursday unveiled its inaugural Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan, a strategic initiative which aims to cut down on plastic pollution and enhance resilience in coastal areas facing climate threats.
The plan's unveiling coincided with the World Environment Day, which seeks to encourage greater worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
Dion George, South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, said the new initiative aligns with commitments made under the Paris Agreement and supports the country's ocean economy goals while safeguarding critical sectors like tourism and fisheries.
George said it provides a strategic framework to guide nationwide efforts in building coastal resilience, and emphasizes the importance of protecting communities, infrastructure, and natural systems along the country's coastlines through proactive planning, risk-informed development, and collaborative governance.
By aligning climate adaptation with economic development, South Africa can build a thriving, inclusive, and climate-resilient blue economy that benefits both people and the planet, he said.
In an interview with China Central Television (CCTV), George said South Africa hopes to learn from China's achievements in environmental protection and aims to strengthen cooperation in this important field.
"We can actually learn it from our friends. And I think that's the great thing about being able to collaborate with our very good friends, China, who are members with on BRICS and also the BASIC (comprising Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) and we do speak very regularly. So it's a wonderful opportunity for collaboration because that's the only way the world can actually move ahead, is if we work together," said George.
South Africa's coastline areas are facing growing climate challenges that threaten coastal communities, key economic sectors, critical infrastructure, and ecosystems.
Scientific projections indicate worsening impacts such as accelerated sea-level rise, intensifying coastal erosion, and more frequent severe storms that can trigger destructive flooding and force the displacement of vulnerable residents.
Experts point to the need for closer collaboration among nations to face up to these mounting concerns.
"So I think that cooperation between countries is key. And the ability for our scientists and technical teams to work collaboratively across borders is really important in terms of being able to come up with technologies and solutions to be able to implement the plan which we have today," said Douglas Trotter, manager of the sustainable ecosystems area of business for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, a South African scientific research and development organization.
The scale of the plastic pollution problem is highlighted by the United Nations, who say that of the more than 400 million tonnes of plastic produced worldwide every year, less than 10 percent is recycled, while around half is designed for one-time usage.
An estimated 11 million tonnes of this ends up in the sea, on rivers, and in lakes, with the UN giving a stark warning that there may be even more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050 unless people stop using single-use plastic items.
Held annually on June 5 since 1973, the World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is marked by millions of people across the world.
South Africa unveils plan to tackle climate change in coastal areas
South Africa unveils plan to tackle climate change in coastal areas
