Maynier calls on COP31 Climate Summit to deliver real solutions

Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister David Maynier has urged the COP31 climate conference to deliver tangible solutions. The summit is being held in Turkiye, which came at a time when the world is grappling with significant climate events, such as the 'super El Niño' phenomenon caused by Atlantic Ocean warming. This has led to hotter and drier weather in South Africa.

Addressing the SABC News after opening the South African Pavilion in Antalya, Maynier emphasized that Team South Africa's message was clear - it was time to move beyond targets and focus on actual implementation. The Minister stated that everyone at COP31 understood this and was mobilized around the central theme of the conference, which was to transition from targets to actual implementation.

Maynier highlighted that Team South Africa has been concentrating on climate finance and closing the finance gap for developing countries worldwide. He reiterated that South Africa would continue to collaborate with developing countries in advocating for climate finance. The negotiators had addressed several key issues to ensure the success of the climate summit.

One significant achievement was the inclusion of the Climate Financing Working Group on the agenda of COP31, which Maynier considered a major victory for the negotiating team. He is now working closely with the African Group of negotiators and the Basic Group of negotiators. South Africa remains committed to achieving a just energy transition.