24 May, Johannesburg – Greenpeace Africa conveys its deepest sympathies to the victims of the torrential rains in Kwa-Zulu Natal, which has been ravaged by heavy rains for the second time over the past two months.
When asked for comment, Climate and Energy Campaigner Thandile Chinyavanhu said, “There is nothing natural about this. Residents of eThekwini have not even had the opportunity to rebuild what was lost living their worst reality, all while our government insists on continuing to pursue climate-hostile practices.
“Once again Greenpeace Africa calls upon President Ramaphosa to declare a climate emergency. This will unlock the resources to implement contingency plans to mitigate further harm, and enable South Africans to adapt to our rapidly changing climate. Climate shocks continue to threaten the well-being and dignity of our most vulnerable communities. Should our government neglect the severity of this situation, they will essentially be deeming Kwa-Zulu Natal a sacrifice zone, and its people collateral damage.”
NOTES
[1] Greenpeace Africa released a report titled “Weathering the Storm: Extreme weather events” which details the impacts of climate change across Africa.
[2] Greenpeace International’s press release on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Impacts, Vulnerabilities and Adaptation report.
[3] Greenpeace Africa released a blog titled “Distressing findings of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report signal climate litigation to come” available here.
[4] Greenpeace Africa released an opinion piece titled, “KZN Floods: Climate change is a gender issue”, available here.
Contact details
Greenpeace Africa Press Desk: [email protected]
Chris Vlavianos, Greenpeace Africa Communications Officer: +27798837036, [email protected]