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SA CELEBRATES ENVIRONMENT MONTH
01 June 2009
Climate change is expected to be the
focus of this year's National Environment
Month which is celebrated in June.
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and
Environmental Affairs, Albi Modise said
South Africa was raising the bar with
regards to efforts to mitigate climate
change.
The March 2009 Climate Change Summit laid
the foundation for a participatory process
to shape the way South Africans respond to
climate change, he said, adding that the
theme "SA Act Now! Combat Climate Change",
was appropriate.
"This is particularly significant as it
comes at a time when South Africa is
drafting the policy framework for climate
change. The Long Term Mitigation Scenarios (LTMS)
on Climate Change was approved by Cabinet in
2008."
Mr Modise added that action on climate
change was seen as an investment for the
future as no action would have worse
consequences for the world.
Various activities are planned for the
month, including conferences, awareness
campaigns, information sessions, tree
planting and workshops.
Mr Modise said the events would also centre
on encouraging South Africans to become
active supporters of sustainable and
equitable living while acknowledging that
communities play a pivotal role in changing
attitudes towards the environment.
Environment month coincides with the global
celebrations of World Environment Day on 5
June, World Oceans Day will also be
celebrated on 8 June 2009 as well as World
Day to Combat Desertification on 17 June.
Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs
Buyelwa Sonjica is expected to deliver a
keynote address on World Environment Day at
Kwa-Dukuza Municipality in Kwa-Zulu Natal on
12 June 2009.
The day will be celebrated under the theme
"Your Planet needs You - Unite to Combat
Climate Change."
Celebrated annually in June, the event is
used by the United Nations (UN) to stimulate
global awareness on environment issues, and
enhance political attention and public
action. - BuaNews
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