As We Strive To Create A Sustainable Future, We Should Not Forget History's Lessons

Last month, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) made history by passing South Africa's inaugural legislation that specifically addresses the impacts of climate change. It's been a long time coming, and as momentum culminates in President Cyril Ramaphosa's signing of the Climate Change Bill, it is imperative that we think laterally about the Bill's ramifications for the medium term and also about its impact on future generations, who will be its beneficiaries.

As Minister Creecy explained in a Parliamentary debate last year, the Bill will ensure our country has a legal instrument to build resilience to the impacts of climate change and reduce our emissions in ways appropriate to our national circumstances and development pathways. Seeing the Bill come to life is a proud moment for our nation as we seek to facilitate the development of a robust climate change response and foster a sustainable, low-carbon economy and society over the long term.