The Department of Environment and Infrastructure Services (EISD) invites young people to an exciting event at the Joburg Zoo between Friday, 24 March and Saturday, 25 March to discuss climate change and its impact on Johannesburg. The “Energising Jozi Youth around Climate Action” event will be highly interactive, with lectures and activities aimed at building youth capacity to engage in the policy and politics of climate and energy, but also in practical climate action.
Lebo Molefe, the EISD Director of Air Quality and Climate Change, says attending this event will help young people develop a strong understanding of concepts around energy and climate change.
This will enable them to engage in meaningful conversations around these topics much more effectively.
The City has ambitious climate commitments and has adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) aligned with the aims and targets of the Paris Agreement.
“CAP allows us to make a meaningful contribution towards national and global climate action targets under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
It will also position the City to attract international finance for a green economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic,” Molefe explains.
She says young people attending the event at the Joburg Zoo will participate in plenary and dialogue sessions on energy in your life, the politics of energy, sustainable energy, urban heat assessment, green buildings, the water-energy-food nexus, and more.
“The role of young people in driving climate commitments is critical, and the City encourages youth participation in the climate and energy dialogue,” Molefe adds.
Young people will have the opportunity to participate in plenary sessions on water, clean affordable energy, and food gardens facilitated by experts from Joburg Water, City Power, Social Development, and Sustainable Energy Africa.
The City of Johannesburg supports youth involvement in the climate and energy dialogue, and this event is an opportunity to engage in conversations around these important topics.
“Don’t miss out on this chance to learn and make a difference. We look forward to seeing you there,” she says.
A metro bus has been arranged to ferry participating youth to the Joburg Zoo; however, departure details will be shared in due course.
Written by Monde Ngwane
15/03/2023