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South Africa – Policy Dialogue On Resource Extraction, Development and Climate Change in South Africa
April 24 -9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW) and the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) at the University of Johannesburg co-hosted a multi-party dialogue on the effects of oil, coal, and gas exploration and extraction in the context of national development and climate change ambitions of South Africa and the region. The dialogue aimed to foster insights and discussions among various stakeholders on these critical issues.
Participants:
Participants included representatives from political parties, government agencies, environmental organizations, academic institutions, civil society groups, and industry stakeholders. The multi-party nature of the dialogue ensured diverse perspectives were represented.
Key Discussions:
1. Impact on National Development: Participants deliberated on the role of oil, coal, and gas exploration and extraction in driving national development agendas. This included considerations of economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.
2. Climate Change Ambitions: The dialogue explored the implications of continued reliance on fossil fuels for South Africa’s and the region’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Participants discussed strategies for transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Environmental and Social Effects: There were in-depth discussions on the environmental and social impacts of oil, coal, and gas exploration and extraction activities. This encompassed issues such as land degradation, water pollution, displacement of communities, and health concerns.
4. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Participants examined existing policies and regulations governing fossil fuel exploration and extraction and identified areas for improvement. Emphasis was placed on enhancing transparency, accountability, and community engagement in decision-making processes.
Outcomes and Next Steps:
1. Awareness and Education: The dialogue helped raise awareness of the complex interplay between fossil fuel exploration, national development goals, and climate change imperatives. Participants expressed the need for ongoing education and public engagement on these issues.
2. Policy Recommendations: Insights from the dialogue will inform the development of policy recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable energy practices and minimizing the negative impacts of fossil fuel extraction.
3. Collaborative Initiatives: Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, industry, civil society, and academia to address the challenges posed by fossil fuel exploration and extraction. They emphasized the need for inclusive and participatory decision-making processes.
4. Further Research and Dialogue: There was a consensus on the need for continued research and dialogue to deepen understanding of the implications of fossil fuel exploration and extraction and identify innovative solutions.
The multi-party dialogue facilitated by SARW and IPATC provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives and explore strategies for reconciling national development aspirations with climate change objectives in the context of fossil fuel exploration and extraction. Moving forward, sustained collaboration and action will be essential to navigate the complex challenges posed by these issues.
