By Faridat Salifu
South African environmental justice activists, on Friday, gathered outside Parliament to launch a month-long campaign (November 3–December 9) as part of the global movement “Power Up for Climate Solutions.”
Their goal: to combat climate change and environmental degradation, with a focus on renewable and sustainable energy sources, in the lead-up to COP28.
A coalition of environmentally conscious organizations, including The Green Connection, African Climate Alliance, Extinction Rebellion, 350•org, and Project90By2030, came together with a shared vision of fostering a just and peaceful society driven by sustainable and renewable energy sources.
Expressing their concern over the perceived lack of urgency in climate-conscious action and the inadequacy of global climate commitments, the organizations called attention to COP28 as a critical juncture in addressing these issues.
These eco-justice groups challenged the South African government’s stance on carbon-emitting fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas, by submitting a memorandum of demands to Parliament. They reject these fossil fuels as solutions to the nation’s energy and economic challenges.
In addition to calling for an end to TotalEnergies’ fossil fuel ambitions in South Africa, the organizations urged key government decision-makers, including environment and energy ministers Barbara Creecy and Gwede Mantashe, to acknowledge the adverse effects of fossil fuels on people, the environment, and the climate.
The activists highlighted that the progress needed to transition to renewable energy is hindered by the actions of these department heads.
They also called upon President Cyril Ramaphosa to heed their demands, stressing that the Presidential Climate Change Commission (PCCC) should not be undermined by government agencies operating “business as usual” in approving fossil fuel projects.
The organizations firmly believe that new funding for the fossil fuel industry is unwarranted, and they urgently demand an environment minister who prioritizes safeguarding the environment for the benefit of all South Africans.
They argue that fossil fuel exploitation predominantly benefits a select few and call on fellow citizens to challenge the status quo, emphasizing that decisions benefiting a minority should not persist.
The root cause of the climate crisis, according to the activists, lies in the pursuit of profit at the expense of the environment and people.
They call for people to unite in pressuring governments to end their support for fossil fuels and hold corporations accountable for the damage their sectors have caused.
The funds recovered from these polluters, they suggest, should be channeled into projects that support South Africa’s pursuit of an equitable energy future.
Neville van Rooy, the Community Outreach Coordinator for The Green Connection, emphasized the Power Up initiative’s goal to amplify opposition to fossil fuel companies and governments that support them.
He criticized these entities for prioritizing profit over people, perpetuating inequality and contributing to the climate catastrophe.
The activists stress the need to transition to renewable energy as a means to address escalating climate disasters.
They underscore that science attributes the climate catastrophe to the use of fossil fuels and emphasize the urgency of moving away from companies like Karpowerships, Shell, and TotalEnergies.
Glen Tyler-Davies of 350Africa•org warns of the growing risk of a chaotic transition to renewables without a clear plan in place. This lack of direction could exacerbate inequality in energy production and access.
Leaders are urged to develop a just transition plan that empowers the people and ensures a clean, equitable, and sustainable energy future.
The African Climate Alliance and Project90By2030 advocate for decentralized, community-owned renewable energy as the future.
They emphasize its sustainability, affordability, and environmental friendliness as a way to inspire a just future together.
Extinction Rebellion Cape Town highlights the weakening case for fossil fuels in the face of increasingly catastrophic weather and climate disasters.
They call on the South African government to commit to a renewable grid and to cease offering opportunities for fossil fuel extraction before it’s too late.
In a world grappling with the growing threat of climate change, these South African activists are determined to champion renewable energy and advocate for a just and sustainable future.
