Local government's response to climate change : case study on mitigation measures within the City of Tshwane

Abstract

Climate Change impacts cannot be managed in isolation from the dynamics of the broader societal challenges in terms of resource needs and utilization. Cities as the local sphere of government and the sphere closest to the affected communities, have competing priorities in terms of advancing actions that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing basic services as mandated by the South African legislation such as, health care, transportation, access to water, electricity and waste services, to mention a few. This study investigated how the City of Tshwane responded to the impacts of climate change through the implementation of programmes and projects that seek to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In gathering information on the City’s responses, programme and projects managers responsible for climate change mitigation provided valuable information in terms of the City’s efforts. The City’s policy documents, as well as resources committed for implementation; both financial and human resources; were evaluated. The research also incorporated information from schools that benefitted from the practical training provided by the City on climate change mitigation, offering practical training on sustainable living with the environment. The key findings of the study were that most of the projects implemented by the City are within the energy efficiency thematic area and these are also prioritised in terms of financial and human resources allocated to them. The study also reviewed policies and strategies developed and the fundamental findings were that, these strategic documents did not feature climate change mitigation and adaptation, which is a deficiency to be addressed through review, integration and mainstreaming. C13/4/43/gm