Hon Chairperson, hon Madam Minister, hon members and all protocol observed, I do not need to remind you of the mandate of the department, but I would like to quote what the chairperson of the portfolio committee quoted. That is section 24 of the Constitution, which says that all South Africans have a constitutional right:
(a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and
(b) to have the environment protected ...
We need to ask ourselves whenever we take action: What does this do to our environment?
In that regard, we welcome the move by the department on the gazetted Code of Practice for Air Dispersion Modelling. We hope that the department will effectively implement the content thereof. We also welcome the relocation by the department to their new eco-friendly building and we urge other Ministries to follow this example.
The National Development Plan charts the way for South Africans to utilise natural resources efficiently and effectively, for the benefit of all our citizens. Our children and future generations will not enjoy the said benefits if we do not ensure a sustainable environment and a transition to a low-carbon economy.
In order for the department to be able to fulfil its constitutional mandate, there must be adequate funding. It is worrying to see that some of the programmes have inadequate funding or less money. Budget cuts in this manner will result in deficiencies in the execution of these functions. I would like to draw the hon Minister's attention to Programme 4: Climate Change and Air Quality. This function has been given R6,1 million less in this budget. The world has woken up to the threats that climate change presents. Has this department woken up to these and adequately budgeted for the impact of climate change? The devastating effects of climate change, like drought, food shortages and floods, are well documented. We cannot afford a slow response to the storm that lies ahead.
At the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on climate change in Malabo on 26 June this year, the meeting identified five key points in setting up plans for climate change in Africa. They are: climate finance and technology needs; adaptation; mitigation; participation; and institutional co-operation. At that meeting the hon Dr Dlamini-Zuma, who addressed the members, said, and I quote:
... Africa is a region with the least capacity to deal with the challenges of adaptation, which is why the issue of climate change is so alarming and calls for decisive action.
If this is a critical function for the whole of the African continent, then why is enough funding not made available?
A healthy environment is essential in order for citizens to seize opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods. Opportunities for new jobs in the green economy are numerous, provided that an enabling environment is created.
An effective response to climate change is required in order for South Africa to contribute to the global effort to stabilise the climate system and to make our country more resilient to climate change.
An effective response to climate change will also offer the opportunity for the development and introduction of new technologies, the stimulation of demand for new products, and the associated creation of jobs. A job- creating green economy can be stimulated by incentivising investment in the green economic sector, provided the leadership in the economy showcases best practice and supports research and innovation. The current budget creates no opportunities for this.
We also urgently need to address emissions caused by the Eskom coalfired power stations. The emissions at coal-fired power stations cause respiratory problems for many South Africans, particularly those with compromised immune systems. A degrading environment negatively impacts on the quality of life faced by communities surrounding these plants and negates attempts to alleviate their plight.
In a recent publication it is reported that the latest greenhouse gas inventory suggests that national emissions reached a record level of 579 256 gigagrams, which is equivalent to an increase of 24,9% in CO2 in 2010 compared to emissions levels in 2000. That is a whopping 25% increase over the past 10 years, despite warnings that all countries need to reduce emissions drastically to avoid dangerous alterations to the world climate patterns.
We need to be investing in research and unlocking data and information to better understand the projected impacts of climate change and better prepare our communities and infrastructure. The research will help us to find appropriate models of funding and will facilitate informed judgements concerning climate change and dealing with industrial pollution. It is all very well to monitor these levels, but we need to actually do something about them. The hon Minister must act and put the department's money where its mouth is.
I now come to the SA Weather Service, SAWS. As we know, our country is heavily engaged with agriculture, and furthermore the economy is also dependent on weather patterns. The predictability of our weather is becoming less certain, especially with the effects of climate change. Therefore, the reduction of R20 million in the 2014-15 budget and a further cut of R20 million in the 2015-16 budget for the SAWS do not make sense. Our farms, fishers, tourism industry, transport infrastructure, ports and airlines need accurate, First World weather reports if they are to function effectively, safely and productively. It is noted with concern that the department was underfunded in previous budget allocations and as a result, the SA Weather Service has struggled to fully implement its mandate. A further budget cut will only aggravate the situation.
Chair, I would also like to draw the hon Minister's attention to Programme 3: Oceans and Coasts, and, in particular, to the poaching of our marine resources, such as abalone. The networks of the criminal syndicates are in a leisurely fashion combing the rocks for abalone and cleaning them out in order to meet the demand of the black market. This is driving the species to the edge of extinction on our shores. The poachers do this without fear of being caught, even in broad daylight.
These poachers are lurking in many coastal villages and it was recently reported that poachers walked through the Betty's Bay Marine Protected Area and the endangered seabird breeding colony, disturbing the endangered breeding birds, and entered the water in full view of the people. This is a clear indication that the criminals no longer fear the state.
I call on the hon Minister to budget for crackdowns on all poachers and any encroachment on our endangered protected areas.
South Africa is our country, this is our own environment, and we have to do everything in our power to protect, maintain and nurture our environment. What we do or fail to do in this Fifth Parliament will echo forever in eternity. Thank you. [Applause.]