South Africa shows some good signs in wanting to fight climate change. Some government departments take achieving carbon neutrality as seriously as it should be taken. But overall, it is the private sector that deserves a pat on the back for going all out to reduce, replace and recover carbon as part of their carbon-neutral strategies.
Companies invariably report that the first step must be achieving greater energy efficiencies and those that have done so also find that improving efficiencies is a business case because by doing it, costs are cut. On the replacement front, positive action has also proved profitable because Eskom’s tariffs have gone through the roof and self-generation of renewable energy is able to beat the State utility hands down.
Also, when it comes to calling on Nature to recover carbon, some have found unexpected solace, not only in tree planting but also through regenerative agriculture and even seaweed action. Many report that new solutions are being raised regularly and establishing partnerships to target carbon-zero are essential. Seeing that we’re all in this together, we should have no hesitation in working together and making all breakthroughs public.