LISTEN | Gauteng MEC prioritises toxic gas emissions as he earns a seat at global table

Gauteng will prioritise cutting toxic gas emissions while protecting jobs and expanding recycling as it seeks to translate its new international climate leadership role into tangible benefits for residents. This is according to Gauteng MEC forenvironmentEwan Botha, who outlined these priorities to Sowetan after being elected vice-president for Africa of Regions4, a global network of regional governments driving action on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development. Botha, who has been in office as MEC for just over a year, said the appointment should not be judged by the number of international meetings attended but by whether it unlocks investment for projects that improve lives in Gauteng.

“It gives Gauteng a leadership role in shaping African priorities on climate change and sustainable development while opening doors to international partners, climate finance and ensuring African realities are reflected globally.” He said Africa contributes less than 5% of global carbon dioxide emissions but continues to bear the brunt of climate disasters, pointing to recent flooding inLimpopoand the recurring floods that have devastatedKwaZulu-Natalover the past six years. Closer to home, Botha said improving Gauteng’s air quality would be among his immediate priorities. He said the national government is considering stronger regulation of hydrogen sulphide emissions following growing concerns overfoul-smelling air in parts of Johannesburgand has installed 128 low-cost air quality sensors over the past financial year to strengthen monitoring.

“We are working on reducing emissions in the province without compromising jobs,” he said. Botha said his focus would be on building a pipeline of projects capable of attracting climate finance rather than producing more policy documents. The priority areas include expanded air quality monitoring, flood resilience, urban greening, waste beneficiation, recycling infrastructure, biodiversity restoration and creating green jobs. “The challenge is not a shortage of ideas,” he said.