Development vs Climate Change Mitigation in South Africa

South Africa has one the largest economies in sub-Saharan Africa and the highest CO2 emissions in African (Tyler et al., 2013). In South Africa, development is the main priority and it is possible that South Africa can alleviate poverty and inequality within two decades (NPC, 2011; Pan, 2005). To achieve development goals requires large greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, South Africa cannot pursue the paths of development that we have now. There is a need to integrate climate and development, the question is: do you put climate or development first?

Development priorities for South Africa

Development is a key priority for developing countries such as South Africa because it is essential to meet the growing needs of a population (Winkler et al., 2012). South Africa has several fundamental development objectives, which incorporate the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The MDGs of South Africa aim to (RSA, 2013):

1. Alleviate poverty and hunger

2. Provide primary education for all

3. Promote gender equality

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV and AIDs and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability

8. Develop a global partnership for development.

In order to achieve these goals, employment, inequality, economic growth, food security and improved access to energy services (mainly electrification), transport, drinking water, education, health services and land have to be addressed (NPC, 2011; Winkler et al., 2012). South Africa’s main challenges are unemployment, poverty and inequality (D.o.E, 2010; Rennkamp, 2013).

The National Planning Commission prioritized to reduce poverty and inequalities as the main development objective in its National Development Pl...

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NPC, 2011. National Development Plan. Pretoria: NPC National Planning Commission.

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