​According to the C40 Climate Leadership Group, 70% of cities report that they are already experiencing the effects of climate change. That is why it is also appropriate that cities are on the frontline of climate action, leading the fight to limit global warming to 1,5 degrees Celsius and to build greater resilience to climate shocks and stresses.

The Summit will showcase examples of how cities are already delivering on climate action commitments and accelerating the bold and transformative climate solutions needed for a sustainable, healthy, resilient and inclusive future.

Climate change will make our current challenges worse
In Cape Town, as is the case with many other areas of South Africa, the effects of climate change will exacerbate the existing challenges that we have especially for our most vulnerable residents. This is because of the potential increase of flooding, fires and drought which affects food security and infrastructure, among others.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti, who is attending the Summit said: ‘One of the commitments that the City has made, along with 75 other C40 cities under the C40 Deadline 2020 programme is to put a plan in place to help limit global warming to no more 1,5 degrees Celsius, a scientifically determined tipping point beyond which we begin to experience climate impacts that are potentially catastrophic. At the same time, the City is working to prepare for the negative impacts of climate change through our recently released Resilience Strategy and through the development of our Climate Adaptation Plan.

Global Green New Deal
C40 will also use this opportunity to announce the Global Green New Deal which represents a collective strategy to tackle the global climate emergency, rooted in prioritising actions that lead to greater equity among citizens.

‘Consistent with the principles of the Global Green New Deal, the City remains committed to putting inclusive climate action at the centre of all urban decision making,’ said Councillor Maxiti

City is finalist in the C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies awards
The awards are taking place during the Summit and the City is featured in the associated Cities100 Report for our Small-Scale Embedded Generation Programme. The Cities100 Report showcases ambitious and innovative actions from 100 of the most forward-thinking and inclusive climate action projects worldwide. Award winners will be announced at a ceremony during the Summit on 10 October 2019.

‘We are very proud of this programme and it is encouraging to see that our efforts are being recognised worldwide. We also acknowledge that we still have a long way to go until we build resilient and more sustainable communities. Tackling climate change forms part of the City’s Integrated Development Plan priorities. Achieving these priorities will change the way in which the City functions to make Cape Town more inclusive, sustainable, efficient and resilient.

‘Partnerships are vital and all businesses and residents are encouraged to stand together and to act so that we can create the future that we want,’ said the City’s Executive Director for the Energy and Climate Change Directorate, Kadri Nassiep, who is also attending the Summit.
 
 
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