Attention broadcasters: English soundbite from MPP Dave Bryant attached.
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape welcomes the signing into law of the long-anticipated Climate Change Act by the President. Members of the DA in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and our various municipalities were integrally involved in the development of the legislation via the submission of comments and recommendations, as well as attendance at public hearings. The final version of the bill was unanimously supported by the Western Cape Provincial Parliament.
Climate change is a significant challenge facing communities across the Western Cape and it is essential that we take steps to ensure that we are able to adapt accordingly. These changes in climate will inevitably have an impact on viticulture and agriculture and we must do all we can to protect and grow these important industries.
The recent floods have also shown the dangers posed by unprecedented weather events, which are occurring more frequently. The DA will ensure that the Western Cape stays ahead of the curve by implementing important adaptation measures in line with the recommendations already set out in our own localised climate change strategies. We look forward to the development of the regulations which will guide the rollout and implementation of the Climate Change Act.