/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Democratic Alliance wishes the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, Dr Dion George, well as he leads the South African delegation for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP29) starting today in Baku, Azerbaijan.

COP29 is poised to play a critical role in securing the necessary funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as responses to natural disasters such as floods and droughts. Minister George will play a catalytic role in the negotiations as one of the Ministerial Pair appointed to lead the discussions on mitigation. One of the fundamental outcomes will be securing the proposed $1.3 trillion deal from developed nations to help developing nations with their transitions to low carbon development. South Africa will have a strong voice in representing the region and developing world as we assume the presidency of the G20 in 2025.

The DA will also be represented by Wildri Peach MP, the party’s Deputy Spokesperson on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment who is attending as part of the delegation from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee.

Climate change is the biggest threat facing the globe. With recent shifts in the international political landscape, COP29 will be a difficult but critical meeting to find bilateral solutions to the current funding gap and forge a joint plan of action in limiting further disasters.

The DA is confident that the Minister's commitment to just, fair, and effective solutions will yield positive results through our representation at these important international engagements.

Issued by Andrew de Blocq MP - DA Spokesperson on Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment