Photo by: Reuters
To assist South Africa in reducing its greenhouse-gas emissions, while promoting economic development, a $15-million, five-year US Agency for International Development (USAID) South Africa-Low Emissions Development (SA-LED) initiative was launched on Thursday.
The programme sought to bridge the gap between public institutions and investors and catalyse innovative low-emissions development projects in municipalities across the country, with key opportunities in waste management, transportation, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
“We are all inextricably linked with regard to the impacts of climate change; and it is now our responsibility to determine what kind of a world we are going to leave behind for our children and grandchildren. We are beginning to make some progress – this is the first time we have a cycle where the global economy has grown while carbon emissions have flat-lined.
“Given the ingenuity of Americans and South Africans working together there is so much more progress that we will continue to make,” US Ambassador Patrick Gaspard said at the launch.
The programme would run in partnership with the departments of Environmental Affairs and Science and Technology to build capacity and develop projects that responded to climate change and supported South Africa’s transition to a green economy.
Linda Manyuchi, who leads the SA-LED programme noted that the initiative built on the commitment shown by municipalities to choose a more sustainable, climate-friendly future.
“We have a strong foundation to build on and drive lasting, positive change,” she added.