The future of Africa depends on the ability to adapt to climate change, the Norwegian government will increase its spending on climate and environmental aid to Africa by 130 million NOK in 2008 - said Prime Minister Stoltenberg at Fridays Cape Town seminar, before offering Norwegian technology to help South Africa reduce carbon emissions.
15/02/2008 :: Cape Town: set in the magnificent botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch, the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg called for closer cooperation between Norway and South Africa on climate research and technology at Fridays press conference. Prime Minister Stoltenberg stressed the potential for carbon emission reduction in South Africa as 90 percent of the country’s energy stems from fossile sources, mainly coal. The technology for carbon capture and storage now developing in Norway may one day be applied in South Africa, he told an enthusiastic Minister of Environment, Marthinus van Schalkwyk.
Constructive SA role in Bali
Although the threat of climate change is first and foremost the responsibility of the developed world Stoltenberg went on, there is an urgent need to get the poorer countries onboard and address adaptation measures. Stoltenberg cherished the constructive role played by South Africa in Bali, making it possible to seal the agreement of the new Adaptation Fund. In this aspect, the Norwegian government’s effort to fight deforestation and promote sustainable development in southern Africa is an important contribution.
Southern Africa implications
Before turning to the climate issue, the South African Minister of Environment Marthinus van Schalkwyk seized the opportunity to thank the Prime Minister for his effort to participate in the event and highlighted the excellent relation between the two countries. Minister van Schalkwyk expressed concern over the fact that southern Africa is already affected by climate change and the implications this has for millions of people in the region, as draught and floods will have severe consequences for food production and economic growth. Although the heaviest burden should be on the developed world, he stressed the need for commitment of developing countries as they will meet climate requirements in the future. He warmly welcomed the suggestions of the Prime Minister and would like to see the cooperation extendend to technology of solar- and windenergy as well as to matters of finance.
Both Ministers cherished the important work done at the Kirstenbosch Institute, addressing the role of researchers and the importance of climate policy being founded in solid science. Before leaving for Antarctica, the Prime Minister Stoltenberg announced that he hopes to return to South Africa already later this year.
Met with ex- Robben Islanders
Regrettably, the Prime Minister did not find time for a visit to Robben Island at his brief stop in Cape Town. Fortunately still, the Norwegian delegation along with Robben Island Museum were able to organize a meeting between the Prime Minister and the CEO of Robben Island, Mr. Paul Langa and the chairman of the Board of Robben Island, Mr. Naledi Ntsinki.
The two ex- prisoners of the island prison, Mr. Langa having served fourteen years and Mr. Ntsinki twelve for opposition to the Apartheid regime, offered the Prime Minister insight in the organization of the museum, its functions and highligthed how it is just as much a museum of reconciliation as of the authrocities of Apartheid.
The Norwegian Labour Movement acted as one of the fiercest opponents of the Apartheid regime abroad. The chairmen expressed their gratitude to the Norwegian Labour Party, of which Prime Minister Stoltenberg is the current leader, and the other Scandinavian countries for their valuable and highly cherished support during The Struggle. The Norwegian delegation also received a framed piece of limestone from the island, symbolizing the special longlasting relationship between the two nations.
NB: A very dissapointed chairman of the IPCC, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri was unable to attend the seminar as he fell ill on his way back to Dehli from Europe.