South Africa pushes climate finance at COP31

South Africa, at the COP31 climate talks in Antalya, Türkiye, is actively pushing for climate finance as a top priority. Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier emphasized this, stating that the country will continue its efforts to combat climate change. Team South Africa, comprising stakeholders from government, business, civil society, and academia, is working to ensure that the nation's priorities are represented in high-level discussions.

Maynier highlighted their success in securing the inclusion of the climate financing working group on the COP agenda, which he deemed a significant win.

The South African delegation is collaborating closely with the African and BASIC groups of negotiators to achieve three main goals: tripling adaptation finance, replenishing the climate finance fund, and bolstering the loss and damage response fund. These objectives aim to mobilize more funding for developing countries to support both mitigation and adaptation programs.

Lumko Mtimde, a board trustee at Brand South Africa, emphasized that the fight against climate change should also create opportunities for development. She stressed that the fight should be developmental and address socio-economic challenges. Mtimde highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing climate change.

The business community is also represented at the talks. National Business Initiative CEO, Shameela Soobramoney, stressed the importance of the partnership between government and business in advancing South Africa's climate goals. She noted that the partnership between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and business has been going on for several years, and the business community's support through sponsorship is forward-thinking.

In terms of expectations for Türkiye, the hope is that the talks will produce positive outcomes. Australia, currently leading the negotiations, carries significant responsibility as the host of the climate talks. The climate discussions are expected to conclude in the coming week, with high hopes for meaningful progress as countries grapple with the far-reaching impacts of climate change. The focus of COP31 is on Africa's climate priorities.